05546 - Agricultural Genetics

Learning outcomes

This course gives the basis of Mendelian genetics, quantitative genetics, population genetics, and of the main biotechnological applications. The course gives also some example of plant breeding, to understand the economic importance of genetics and the relevance of the management genetic resources in sustainable agriculture.

Course contents

A) Prerequisites

For this course the student should have basic knowledge of the fundamentals of biology, mathematics and statistics. These skills are acquired in high school and in the basic courses given during the first year, first cycle, and with which it is coordinated.

B) Teaching units

1. Molecular basis of replication of genetic information and its expression (6 hours)

1.1. The genetic inheritance and the hereditary material.

1.1.1. DNA composition and replication.

1.1.2. Analysis of DNA: extraction, purification, electrophoresis, denaturation, restriction and ligation, PCR, sequencing.

1.2. The gene and its expression: RNA transcription of the message, genetic codification and translation of the message (with elements of protein synthesis).

1.3. Gene regulation and the central dogma of molecular biology.

Knowledge acquired in Unit 1

The structure of the genetic material and how it is replicated (DNA) or transcribed (RNA). The principles on which they are based methods to the use of DNA for diagnostic, forensic or commercial purposes. The main aspects of the translation of genetic information and of gene regulation.

2. Transmission of hereditary material: Mendel's experiments, genetic association and genetic maps (8 hours)
(integration with the course of biology: reproduction and morphological and functional aspects of mitosis and meiosis; integration with the statistics course: the Chi-square test).

2.1. Transmission of genetic material: basics of sexual reproduction and recombination, genetic aspects of mitosis and meiosis. Homozygosity and heterozygosity.

2.2. Mendel's experiments: dominance, segregation, independent segregation.

2.3. Likage: the recombination of linked genes (crossing-over), verification of the independence with Chi-square statistical test.

2.4. Construction of linkage maps and use of genetic markers. Two-point testcrosses; three-point testcrosses.

Knowledge acquired in Unit 2

The inheritance of Mendelian traits. The role of sexual reproduction for obtaining recombinant genotypes. The procedures used for the construction of genetic maps.

3. The dynamic genome: the main modifications of genetic material and genetic engineering (10 hours)

3.1. Genomic and chromosomal mutations.

3.2. Importance of polyploids: evolutionary processes through polyploidy in plants (the particular case of the genus Triticum).

3.3. Genetic mutations and creation of new variability.

3.4. Mutagenesis: artificial mutation induction and its use in genetic improvement.

3.5. Elements of genetic engineering. Genetic transformation of plants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens and with the biolistic method.

Knowledge acquired in Unit 3

The main modifications of the genetic material (mutations). The relationships between mutations and the occurrence of genetic variability. The general aspects related to the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture.

4. Inheritance of quantitative traits (6 hours)
(integration with the course statistics: mean and variance).

4.1. Generalities: Johannsen experiments, genotypic and phenotypic effects, the economic importance of quantitative traits.

4.2. Analysis of the components of the mean in case of multifactorial genetic determination, additive and dominance effects. Inbreeding and heterosis.

4.3. East experiments, components of the phenotypic variance, the contribution of environmental variability, heritability.

Knowledge acquired in Unit 4

The mode of inheritance of quantitative traits. Understanding of how traits of agronomic and economic importance are determined by polygenes.

5. Population genetics (6 hours)
(integration with the course of statistics: the Chi-square test).

5.1. The Hardy-Weimberg allelic and genotypic frequencies equilibrium and its verification with appropriate statistical tests (Chi-square)

5.2. Equilibrium of a population: mutation, migration, selection, random mating, population size (genetic drift).

5.3. Biodiversity intra-specific and evolution. Study of populations for germplasm conservation and enhancement of genetic resources. Theoretical aspects and management.

Knowledge acquired in Unit 5

The population genetics and intermating. The factors affecting allelic and genotypic frequencies. The genetic basis of intra-specific biodiversity conservation and managements.

6. Evolution and plant breeding (6 hours)

6.1. Evolution and domestication of cultivated plants: history of plant breeding.

6.2. Genetic improvement in self-pollinated and cross-pollinated plants. Main genetic aspects of the management of genetic improvement programs.

6.3. Genetics in seed production and seeds marketing.

Knowledge acquired in Unit 6

The main genetic aspects involved in artificial selection. The most relevant genetic aspects of seed marketing. The importance of intra-specific biodiversity and the main aspects of germplasm conservation management.

7. Practical classes (24 hours)

The practical classes are considered as integral part of each teaching units.

Activities carried out during the practical classes.

a) demonstrating simple DNA analysis,

b) observations and measurements of plant material specially developed for educational needs,

c) examination of data collected by the students or by simulated the teacher and simple statistical analysis,

d) critical analysis of simple bibliography, guided by the teacher but conducted by the student,

e) organization of team reports and presentation of short scientific seminars.

Knowledge acquired in Unit 7

Familiarity with the results of diagnostic assays useful for forensic or commercial purposes. Ability to recognize the major genetic events in practice. Acquisition of scientific method in genetic research by means of statistical verification of data. Ability to autonomously acquire new information, using critical skills and source verification, partly in English. Acquisition of experience in team-working and in public communication of technical subjects.

Readings/Bibliography

F. Lorenzetti, S. Ceccarelli, D. Rosellini, F. Veronesi. Genetica agraria - Genetica e biotecnologie applicate all'agricoltura. Patron,

Bologna, 2011.

Additional readings:

M. Busconi e altri. Genetica agraria, EdiSES, Napoli, 2016

G. Barcaccia, M. Falcinelli. Genetica e genomica, Vol I genetica vegetale, Liguori Napoli, 2005; G. Barcaccia, M. Falcinelli. Genetica e genomica, Vol II miglioramento genetico, Liguori Napoli, 2005.

Notes from the course available on line through the Moodle platform (iol): Conceptual frameworks from classes, datasets used in practicals, collection of students works and of short reports, groups support for seminar organization.

Literature and notes in English will be provided upon request.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 36 hours of lectures and 24 hours of tutorials (practical classes).

The lectures are intended to illustrate the subject and to stimulate the involvement of students in order to assess the prior knowledge, the learning progresses and to promote a critical discussion of the topics covered.

The practical classes are held at the didactic field at DipSA, at other facilities of DISTAL and in the classroom. The practical classes include: demonstrations of DNA analysis, observations and surveys of plant material specially developed, examination of data collected by the students or simulated by the teacher and simple statistical analysis, critical discussion of basic bibliography (also in English) conducted by the students, and preparation of reports and short seminars (also in English). The objectives of the practical classes are to make the students familiar with the results of diagnostic assays useful for forensic or commercial purposes, to develop the ability to practically recognize main genetic phenomena and to acquire the scientific method in genetic research by means of the statistical verification of data. Practical classes also aim to encourage the attitude to autonomously acquire new information, using critical skills and verification of sources, partly in English. Not last goal is to promote ability to team working and communicating technical reports.

Assessment methods

The exam can be taken in English, upon request.

The oral exam consists of three specific questions on the following subjects:

1) on basis of genetic information, its expression and Mendelian genetics,

2) major changes in the hereditary material and controlling quantitative traits,

3) population genetics and bases of genetic improvement.

Each question allows for a maximum of 10 points. To pass the exam the minimum score is 18, with at least 5 in each question. An excellent oral exam can allow to pass the exam with the highest score. The oral exam lasts usually about 30 minutes.

All students who achieve a score at least sufficient in the oral test (18), can also add the results of their practical activities (report and seminar), as specified in the program. This evaluation (for a maximum of 4 points) is added to that obtained in the interview.

 

NEW May, 2020

During the "remote" classes, written self-assessment methods were adopted and therefore the possibility of taking written exams as an alternative to the oral exam is given.

STUDENTS CAN CHOOSE TO TAKE THE WRITTEN EXAM AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE ORAL - on the Online Exams platform (EOL)

The written exam consists of a test of 36 closed-ended, multiple-choice questions (each question has 4 answers of which only one is correct) and 3 open questions on the course topics. For each correct answer to the closed questions 0.5 points are attributed, for each open question 0 to 5 points can be attributed. For all students who have obtained a score at least sufficient in the written test (18), it is also possible to add the points acquired in the practical activities (report and seminar), as specified in the program (for a maximum of 4 points).

For this course oral exams and written exams will be organized and published on AlmaEsami, at the student's choice.

 

Teaching tools

Personal computer and projector for classroom activities.

Scientific literature provived by the Sistema Bibiliografico di Ateneo and provided through iol platform.

Blog/forum for discussion teacher-students on iol platform, accessible to the course student only.

The conceptual framework presented in classes and notes explaning how to approach textbooks will be made available to the students through iol platform.

Office hours

See the website of Elisabetta Frascaroli