05095 - Biology

Learning outcomes

After completing this module, the student has skills on the principles of biology, the living state of matter and the related flow of information in the same. Study of the eukaryotic cell. DNA and RNA.

Course contents

LIVING SYSTEMS Key features of living systems. The central dogma of biology. The cell theory. The prokaryotic cell. The eukaryotic cell WATER AND BIOMOLECULES Biological properties of 'water's role in the carbon chemistry of life. Relationships between structure and biological activity of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids. FROM THE GENOTYPE PHENOTYPE The informational molecules. The gene. Transcription. The maturation of the primary transcript. The genetic code. Translation. The eukaryotic cell compartmentalization of the eukaryotic cell. Unicellularità and pluricellularity. THE PLASMA MEMBRANE Chemical composition and molecular organization of plasma membrane. Systems of active and passive transport. Exocytosis and endocytosis. Signal molecules and membrane receptors. Expression of 'cell identity. THE CORE Structure and function of the 'nuclear envelope. Euchromatin and heterochromatin. The nucleolus THE endomembrane system Structure of the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum in protein synthesis. Main functions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Structure of 'Golgi apparatus. Role of 'Golgi apparatus in the glycosylation of proteins and their distribution at the final destination. Structure and biological activity of the lysosome. THE MITOCHONDRION Morphology. Endosymbiotic theory. Notes on function. PLAY MOLECULAR, CELLULAR AND BODIES DNA replication. The cell cycle. Mitosis. Meiosis. The gametes in humans. Structure and purpose of mature gametes

Readings/Bibliography

Solomon E.P., Berg R.L., Martin D.V. - Elementi di biologia - Ed. EdiSES

Equivalente l' edizione in due fascicoli:

Solomon E.P., Berg R.L., Martin D.V. - Genetica: La continuità della vita - Ed. EdiSES

Solomon E.P., Berg R.L., Martin D.V. – La cellula - Ed. EdiSES

Oppure:

Purves W.K., Sadava D., Orians G.H., Heller H.C. – Elementi di Biologia e Genetica- Ed. Zanichelli

Equivalente l' edizione in due fascicoli:

Purves W.K., Sadava D., Orians G.H., Heller H.C. - L'informazione e l'ereditarietà - Ed. Zanichelli

Purves W.K., Sadava D., Orians G.H., Heller H.C. - La cellula - Ed. Zanichelli)

Oppure:

Campbell NA-Reece JB (Urry, Cane, Wassermann, Minorsky, Jackson) - Biologia e Genetica - ED Pearson 2012

Equivalente l' edizione in due fascicoli:

Campbell-Reece –Biologia. Fascicolo1 La chimica della vita e la cellula – Ed. Pearson Benjiamin Cummings

Campbell-Reece –Biologia. Fascicolo2 La genetica– Ed. Pearson Benjiamin Cummings

Teaching methods

Lectures accompanied by study activities led by the teacher who will have the task of helping the student to clarify and deepen the topics discussed during the classes and to acquire a proper method of study.

Assessment methods

The exam is done through the final exam, which ensures the acquisition of knowledge and skills expected by conducting a written test lasting two hours that will be able 'to be followed by an oral exam (latter' only if requested by the student). The written test is based on the quiz with multiple choice and open-ended questions.

Teaching tools

Office hours

See the website of Cinzia Zucchini