B1949 - BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE (11 CFU)

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student has adequate knowledge of the fundamental principles and basic mechanisms of molecular biology. In particular, the student is able to understand and discuss issues of gene expression, DNA replication and repair, the structure of the genome, nucleosome, and the regulatory RNA at the molecular level. The student has also knowledge of basic molecular biology technologies.

Course contents

• The genes code for proteins and may be interrupted
• The messenger RNA, protein synthesis and the use of the genetic code
• Transcription, the operon (lac), RNA regulator, phage strategies (lambda)
• The DNA replication
• The homologous recombination and the site specific recombination
• The repair systems correct DNA damage
• Eukaryotic promoters and enhancers
• The regulation of transcription in eukaryotes
• Splicing and RNA maturation

Readings/Bibliography

The didactic material presented in class is not intended to replace the reference texts, but to supplement and explain them, and to help in the selection and understanding of the topics to be studied.

· Il gene, seconda edizione compatta; Capitoli: 1-3, 7-9, 11-15, 18-20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

· DNA ricombinante, Geni e Genomi. J.D. Watson, edizioni Zanichelli. Capitolo 4

Teaching methods

The course is divided into three modules:

Module 1 (6 CFU) is taught by Prof. Vincenzo Scarlato and consists of lectures with the aim of making the student acquire the fundamental principles and basic mechanisms of cellular functioning.

Module 2 (4 CFU) is taught by Prof. Davide Ambrosetti and consists of lectures (3 CFU) aimed at making the student acquire the mechanisms and control of eukaryotic gene expression and laboratory exercises (1 CFU) aimed at understanding the main techniques of molecular biology.

Module 3 (1 CFU) consists of experimental laboratory exercises that involve the use of some techniques for amplification, mutagenesis, cloning and expression of a "reporter" gene in Escherichia coli.

Assessment methods

The exam takes place only through the final exam, which ensures the acquisition of knowledge and expected skills by conducting a written test for 1.5 hours without the aid of notes or books.

The written test consists of 44 multiple-choice questions (24 questions in module 1, 16 in module 2, and 4 in module 3) and 2 open-ended questions (1 in module 1 and 1 in module 2). Each multiple-choice question allows you to obtain 0.34 points, while each open-ended question allows you to obtain a maximum of 8 points. The final grade is calculated as the sum of the points obtained.

Teaching tools

PC and video projector

Office hours

See the website of Vincenzo Scarlato

See the website of Davide Carlo Ambrosetti

See the website of Paolo Emidio Costantini