94338 - Base Techniques into Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory

Academic Year 2021/2022

  • Moduli: Cristina Giuliani (Modulo 2) Stefano Del Duca (Modulo 1)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 2) Traditional lectures (Modulo 1)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Teaching and Communication of Natural Sciences (cod. 5704)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has the knowledge on basic laboratory techniques that can be used for educational purposes for learning (a) the biology and biotechnology of plants at the cytological, histological, anatomical level, including some aspects of reproduction, physiology and plant biodiversity; (b) the biology of living beings and man, especially from a genetic point of view and with particular regard to the techniques used in DNA studies, which have made it possible to understand the origins of human biodiversity, and their medical and social implications.

Course contents

Module 1

For biology, the contents refer to the observation of the characteristics of living organisms, with particular regard to their fundamental constitution (the cell) and the different forms with which they manifest themselves. The emphasis will be placed mainly on the shape and functions of plant organisms, dealing with their anatomical aspects and basic metabolic functions. The structures and functions of relationship life, reproduction and development are also considered.

• The practical activity will be carried out with the study of the cells under the microscope whose morphology will be analyzed according to their specialization. Students will have to prepare and learn to observe the cells and their particularities. Construction of a plant cell model. Cell viability test, to check if the observed cells are viable.

• They will be able to set up practical demonstrations related to the ability to perceive environmental stimuli and how plants are able to respond to environmental stimuli (eg gravity, light, photoperiod)

• Reproductive aspects of plants: study of pollen granule, its biodiversity and allergenic capacity, as well as polarized cell growth.

• Experiments on photosynthesis:
How to "see" photosynthesis with observation of the evolution of gases from the leaves; we can see photosynthesis in aquatic plants with the measurement of the pH of the medium by means of indicators
Analysis and separation of photosynthetic pigments, starting from leaves (eg spinach) and using a chromatography on paper.

• Analysis of the presence of gluten in foods of plant origin. Plant pigments and their importance to humans.

• Heterologous expression in plant protein bacteria.

Readings/Bibliography

The reference texts are:

1. E. Padoa Schioppa. Methods and tools for teaching and learning biology.
2. Sadava et al. Principles of Biology. Zanichelli (5th Italian edition on 11th American edition)
and Material provided by the teacher

Teaching methods

Lectures and practical activities

Assessment methods

Assessment of learning with oral interview; for each module, 3 questions about the program of the course

Teaching tools

Audiovisual and laboratory instruments

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Del Duca

See the website of Cristina Giuliani

SDGs

Quality education Life on land

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.