- Docente: Diana Di Gioia
- Credits: 6
- SSD: AGR/16
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Agricultural Technology (cod. 8524)
Learning outcomes
Al termine del corso lo studente acquisisce le conoscenze che
riguardano la struttura, la fisiologia, la biochimica e genetica
dei microrganismi; i metodi di valutazione del ruolo dei
microrganismi nell'ambiente agrario sia nel settore vegetale sia
nel settore animale.
Course contents
A) Prerequisites
The course is propedeutic for the several courses that will
be given in the following years.
B) Didactic Units
The course is divided in 3 didactic units. Theoretical lectures
dealing with basic microbiology and
introduction to the application of microorganisms in the
agro-environmental field; in addition practical activities are
provided.
1)Structure and function of the prokaryotic cell (total hours
30)
1.1 A brief history of microbiology
1.2 The prokaryotic cell. Component external to cell wall,
the cell wall, the plasma membrane, capsules and slime
layers. Bacteria Gram positive and Gram negative. The
mechanism of Gram staining. The cytoplasmic matrix: the
nucleoid ribosomes and inclusions the endospore. The bacterial
motility. Microbial nutrition and growth. Microbial genetics:
general principles, recombination, plasmids, conjugation,
transformation and transduction. Principles of biotechnology.
1.3 Microbial metabolism: catabolism and the generation of
energy . The breakdown of glucose to pyruvate, the tricarboxylic
acid cycle, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, fermentations.
Anabolism. The metabolism regulation: control of enzyme activity,
control of mRNA synthesis. Photosynthesis: oxygenic and
anoxygenic.
1.4 Microbial taxonomy. Taxonomic criteria, classification,
nomenclature, identification of microorganism. Phylogenies and
evolution. The microbial groups of interest for the course:
Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.
Acquired knowledge on didactic unit 1
Structure, function and genetic of the prokaryotic cell; Microbial
metabolism; Microbial groups of interest
2) Theoretical and practical unit on microbiological
techniques (total hours 20)
2.1 The microbiological techniques used in laboratory for the study
of microorganisms. Microscopy and specimen preparation: light
microscope and electron microscopy. The laboratory equipments
for the study of microorganism. Measurement of microbial growth,
isolation of pure cultures. Preservation of the cultures: transfer
on fresh media, freezing and freezing dry.
2.2 Control of the microorganisms by physical agents: heat,
filtration, radiation. Chemical and antimicrobial agents.
2.3 Laboratory experience for isolation and count of the
microorganism present in a food matrix. Use of selective media for
the isolation of lactic acid bacteria, Streptococcus and
Bifidobacterium.
Acquired knowledge on didactic unit 2
Techniques for isolation, cultivation and identification of
microorganisms; Laboratory equipments for the study of
microorganism.
3) Introduction to the study of microorganisms of agricultural
interest (total hours 10)
3.1 Microorganisms as components of the environment, nutrient
cycling processes, interactions within microorganisms, interaction
microorganism-plant, applications of microorganisms on
bioremediation and on water treatment.
Acquired knowledge on didactic unit 3
Main application of microorganisms in the agro-environmental
field.
Readings/Bibliography
B. Biavati, C. Sorlini, Microbiologia generale e agraria, II Ed.
Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano, 2012.
Teaching methods
The course is based on 3 didactic units. Theoretical lectures
and practical activities are provided.
1) Theoretical lectures. The student will acquire knowledge on
basic microbiology in addition to a general introduction to the
application of microorganisms in the agro-environmental
field.
2) Practical activity on microbiological techniques. The student
will visit the laboratory for practice and discussion of the
research projects linked to the topic.
Assessment methods
Learning verification of the course is through a final written test lasting 2 hours, which can be performed either in English or in Italian. Questions will be focused on the topics illustrated during class activities and practical activities. The maximum score that can be acquired in each of the questions and the pass mark for a valid test will be indicated.
Students wishing to take the exam in English have to request it at least two days before the exam.
Teaching tools
Classrooms are equipped with video and overhead projectors,
PC and Wi-Fi connection. The teacher will use the slides
available within the text book or other slides. The practical parts
will be performed in laboratories dedicated to this
activities.
Office hours
See the website of Diana Di Gioia