B1949 - BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE (11 CFU)

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student has adequate knowledge of the fundamental principles and basic mechanisms of molecular biology. In particular, the student is able to understand and discuss issues of gene expression, DNA replication and repair, the structure of the genome, nucleosome, and the regulatory RNA at the molecular level. The student has also knowledge of basic molecular biology technologies.

Course contents

The genes code for proteins and may be interrupted

The messenger RNA, protein synthesis and the use of the genetic code

Transcription, the operon (lac), RNA regulator, phage strategies (lambda)

The DNA replication

The homologous recombination and the site specific recombination

The repair systems correct DNA damage

Eukaryotic promoters and enhancers

The regulation of transcription in eukaryotes

Splicing and RNA maturation

Readings/Bibliography

The didactic material presented in class is not intended to replace the reference texts, but to supplement and explain them, and to help in the selection and understanding of the topics to be studied.

· Il gene, seconda edizione compatta; Capitoli: 1-3, 7-9, 11-15, 18-20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

· DNA ricombinante, Geni e Genomi. J.D. Watson, edizioni Zanichelli. Capitolo 4

Teaching methods

The course is divided into three modules:

Module 1 (6 CFU), taught by Prof. Davide Roncarati, consists of lectures designed to provide students with a solid understanding of the fundamental principles and basic mechanisms underlying cellular function.

Module 2 (4 CFU) is taught by Prof. Davide Ambrosetti and consists of lectures (3 CFU) aimed at making the student acquire the mechanisms and control of eukaryotic gene expression and laboratory exercises (1 CFU) aimed at understanding the main techniques of molecular biology.

Module 3 (1 CFU), taught by Prof. Paolo Emidio Costantini, consists of experimental laboratory exercises that involve the use of some techniques for amplification, mutagenesis, cloning and expression of a "reporter" gene in Escherichia coli.

Assessment methods

The exam takes place only through the final exam, which ensures the acquisition of knowledge and expected skills by conducting a written test for 1.5 hours without the aid of notes or books.

The written test consists of 44 multiple-choice questions (24 questions in module 1, 16 in module 2, and 4 in module 3) and 2 open-ended questions (1 in module 1 and 1 in module 2). Each multiple-choice question allows you to obtain 0.34 points, while each open-ended question allows you to obtain a maximum of 8 points. The final grade is calculated as the sum of the points obtained.

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) 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.

Students recognized as “working students”: please consult the dedicated website (https://www.unibo.it/en/study/guide-to-choosing-your-programme/balancing-study-and-work) to apply for this status and to learn about the available measures.

Teaching tools

PC and video projector

Office hours

See the website of Davide Roncarati

See the website of Davide Carlo Ambrosetti

See the website of Paolo Emidio Costantini