Chemistry

ANGELO TOTO
STEFANO GIANNI

The Molecular Biology course aims to deepen the fundamental principles of molecular biology, including the mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and translation. Experimental techniques used in molecular biology will be analysed, such as PCR, cloning and analysis of DNA and RNA. Key molecular interactions within cells will be described, including signaling pathways and regulation of gene expression in order to understand the importance of molecular biology in the research and development of medical therapies and biotechnology.

Understanding of the structure and function of cells, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Understanding of the structure and function of nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, and their roles in gene expression and protein synthesis.
Familiarity with DNA replication, transcription, and translation processes, including the enzymes and factors involved.
Knowledge of the mechanisms of gene expression and regulation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Proficiency in molecular biology laboratory techniques, such as electrophoresis, cloning, PCR, and DNA sequencing.
Understanding of the principles and applications of recombinant DNA technology, including genetic engineering and biotechnology.
Awareness of the ethical, legal, and social implications of molecular biology research and its applications.
Ability to critically analyze and evaluate scientific literature in molecular biology.
Effective communication skills in presenting scientific information and data analysis.
Appreciation of the role of molecular biology in addressing real-world problems in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and the environment.

Basic Biochemistry knowledge

BASICS OF BIOLOGICAL ORGANIZATION
Structure and function of prokaryotic cells (bacteria and archaea): plasma membrane, cell wall, nucleoid. Overview of virology. Structure and function of eukaryotic cells: membranes, cytoskeleton, sub-cellular organelles, microfilaments, microtubules, intermediate filaments.
STRUCTURE OF NUCLEIC ACIDS AND GENE FUNCTION
Structure of DNA and RNA. Gene structure in prokaryotes: the operon model. Gene structure in eukaryotes: function of promoters, exons, and introns. Mechanisms for encoding different proteins from the same gene. Structure of the human genome: coding and non-coding sequences. Evolution of the genome and genes.
DNA REPLICATION
General characteristics of DNA duplication. DNA polymerases. Replication in bacteria. Replication in eukaryotes: replication of telomeres. General characteristics of DNA repair mechanisms.
TRANSCRIPTION AND RNA MATURATION
General characteristics of transcription. RNA polymerases. Transcription factors. Transcription in prokaryotes: initiation, termination, and regulation of transcription. Transcription in eukaryotes. mRNA maturation mechanisms: capping, polyA tail, splicing.
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
Properties of the genetic code. Translation apparatus: structure and function of ribosomes and tRNAs. Differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Protein degradation by the proteasome.
RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY
Nucleic acid and protein electrophoresis. Gene expression analysis: Northern blot and Western blot. Restriction endonucleases, ligases, reverse transcriptases. Cloning vectors and cloning. Principles of PCR, real-time PCR. Mutagenesis. DNA sequencing. CRISPR/Cas. Transgenic plants. Vaccines.

Fondamenti di Biologia Molecolare - Allison - Zanichelli

Classic lesson

In presence

Oral exam

Explain DNA replication in procaryotes