15950 - Biology and Genetics

Learning outcomes

Knowledge of the main cellular functions with emphasis on mechanisms involved in the following processes: expression, duplication and transmission of genetic information, development, cell differentiation and proliferation, cellular interactions between cells.  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. The cell theory. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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

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

THE EUKARYOTIC CELL General organization of the eukaryotic cell. The plasma membrane: plasma membrane chemical composition, transport mechanisms, signaling and receptors, membrane antigens.  The nucleus: chromatin and chromosomes. The endomembrane system: structure and function of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and lysosome. Mitochondria: structure and inheritance.

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

GENETICS. INHERITANCE Mendelian laws. Monofactorial inheritance.

MUTATIONS Definition, causes and types of mutations. Gene mutations: types and effects on gene product.

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

Self-assessment test

Assessment methods

Learning is assessed through a final exam that verifies the acquisition of the knowledge and skills expected in the courses of Biology, General Genetics, and Medical Genetics.
The exam consists of a written test lasting 1 hour. It includes multiple-choice quizzes and open-ended questions, for a total of 32 questions, divided as follows: 16 questions on Biology, 8 questions on General Genetics and 8 questions on Medical Genetics. Each correct answer is worth one point. The exam is considered passed if the student obtains a minimum score of 18 points and correctly answers at least: 8 questions in Biology, 4 in General Genetics and 4 in Medical Genetics.

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 will be used to display diagrams and illustrations from textbooks or scientific articles, as well as short videos.

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

Office hours

See the website of Cinzia Zucchini