05095 - Biology

Course contents

Principles of Biology: Introduction to Biology; The general characteristics and the levels of organization of living things. The chemical composition of living things. Classification of living things. Human evolution.

Cellular organization: Cell theory; Differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells; viruses (outline). General organization of the eukaryotic cell; differences between animal and plant cells.

Structure and function of the nucleus and of the membranous apparatus (Rough and Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes); Mitochondria; Cytoskeleton. Intercellular and cell-matrix junctions.

Intercellular communication and multicellularity

The gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes: Structure and function of nucleic acids; DNA and RNA. Genome organization; gene structure; the transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; messenger RNA maturation; the genetic code and the translation; gene expression regulation.

Cell division: cell cycle and its regulation; DNA duplication; DNA repair; mitosis; meiosis; cell death

Reproduction of organisms: reproductive strategies; gametogenesis; ovarian cycle and uterine cycle; fertilization.

Readings/Bibliography

•Giacomo De Leo, Silvia Fasano, Enrico Ginelli - Biologia e Genetica - EdiSES, IV edizione 2020

• David Sadava David M. Hillis H. Craig Heller Sally Hacker- Zanichelli, V edizione 2019

• Urry, Cain, Wasserman - Minorsky –Campbell Biologia e Genetica, Pearson-Dodicesima Edizione

•Solomon, Martin-Elementi di Biologia-Edises,VIII edizione

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons

Assessment methods

The final exam is an oral examination and aims at the evaluation of achievement of the following training objectives:

• to know the cell structure and the main organelle functions
• to Know the main cellular processes: duplication, transcription and translation
• to Know the mechanisms of cell division and cell death
• to know the main mechanism of organism reproduction: meiosis, gametogenesis, fertilization

In order to pass the exam, it is necessary to get enough in all modules and the final grade will be obtained from the average of the marks reported in the individual modules of the integrated course.

An exhaustive preparation on all the topics of the course and the ability to connect the different parts of the course combined with a use of specific terminology will be awarded excellence. The preparation on a large number of topics, but mostly mechanical and/ or mnemonic way, a not articulated synthesis and analysis skills and/or a correct language, but not always appropriate lead to discrete evaluations. Training gaps and inappropriate language will be assessed negatively.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint slides, short movies and animations

Office hours

See the website of Provvidenza Maria Abruzzo