39189 - Biology applied to Biomedical Studies

Learning outcomes

Understanding of major cellular functions, with a focus on the mechanisms involved in the following processes: expression, duplication, and transmission of genetic information; development; cell differentiation and proliferation; and cell-to-cell interactions. Understanding of the transmission and expression of hereditary traits in humans.

Course contents

LIVING SYSTEMS Key characteristics of living systems. The central dogma of biology. Cell theory. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

WATER AND BIOMOLECULES Biological functions of water. The importance of carbon in biological systems. Structure and biological functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

FROM GENOTYPE TO PHENOTYPE Informational molecules. Structure of the eukaryotic gene. DNA transcription, processing of primary transcripts, the genetic code, and translation. Regulation of gene expression.

THE EUKARYOTIC CELL General organization of the eukaryotic cell. Plasma membrane: Chemical composition, transport mechanisms, signaling and receptors, membrane antigens. Nucleus: chromatin and chromosomes. Endomembrane system: structure and function of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and lysosome. Mitochondria: structure and inheritance.

MOLECULAR, CELLULAR AND ORGANISM REPRODUCTION. DNA replication. The cell cycle. Mitosis. Meiosis. The gametes in humans.

GENETICS: MONOGENIC INHERITANCE. Mendel’s laws. Autosomal inheritance. X-linked inheritance.

MUTATIONS:Definition, causes, and types of mutations. Gene mutations: types and their effects on gene products. ChromosomIC and genomic mutations.

 

Readings/Bibliography

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

two issues edition:

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

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

two issues edition:

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)

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

two issues edition:

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

Frontal teaching.

Classroom activities guided by the teacher, aimed at helping students clarify and deepen their understanding of previously discussed topics.

Self-assessment tests.

Assessment methods

Written exam (1 hour), consisting of 32 questions with multiple-choice or open-ended answers. Each correct answer is worth one point. A minimum of 18 points is required to pass the test.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

A computer is used to display illustrations and diagrams from textbooks or scientific articles, as well as short videos.

Teaching materials will be available at: https://virtuale.unibo.it [https://virtuale.unibo.it/]t

Office hours

See the website of Cinzia Zucchini