57113 - Applied Biology

Learning outcomes

The student is expected to reach a basic knowledge about main cellular functions, which are related to cell structure. The student will also understand the basis of human reproduction and of heredity

Course contents

1. PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY
Concept of living being and properties; the scientific method.

Biological role of elements, molecules and macromolecules; structure and properties of water; proteins, nucleic acids.

The cellular doctrine. Prokariotic and eukariotic cells.

 

2. THE EUKARYOTIC CELL

Shape, size and structure of the eukaryotic cell; the plasma membrane; the cytoplasm; intracellular membrane system: rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, peroxisome; the nucleus: DNA, chromatine and chromosomes; the mitochondria; the ribosomes; the cytoskeleton: actin filaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules

Cell-cell communication.

 

3. THE GENETIC INFORMATION

 DNA. The human genome; the eukaryotic gene; gene expression: transcription, genetic code and traslation.

RNAs: types and functions

 Genetic code, tRNA, rybosomes and protein syntesys. Translation and protein modifications.

 

4. CELL DIVISION

Cell cycle, DNA duplication and mitosis.

From the cell to the tissue: gene expression regulation and differentiation. Meiosis

Spermatogenesis, ovogenesis, ovarian cycle, uterine cycle, fertilization.

 

5. PRINCIPLES OF GENETICS

Mendel's laws

Mutations: definition, causes, classification

Readings/Bibliography

Eldra P. Solomon, Charles E. Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg - Biology - Tenth edition - Brooks/Cole Publishing Company

Teaching methods

Traditional lectures

Assessment methods

Oral

Teaching tools

Detailed program, suggested books and any additional material will be provided via Virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Allison Piovesan