57113 - Applied Biology

Learning outcomes

The student is expected to reach a basic knowledge about main cellular functions, which are related to cell structure. The student will also understand the basis of human reproduction and of heredity

Course contents

1- What is life. Energy in the living systems. The central dogma of information flux. 2- The cellular theory. Chemical and physical fundamentals. Variability of living beings and evolution. Living beings in the abiotic world. 3- DNA structure and its replication. Concept of cell cycle. 4- RNA structure, transcription and maturation. 5- Genetic code, tRNA, ribosomes and protein synthesis. 6- Generalities on gene expression and differentiation. What are stem cells. 7- Mitochondria. Plasma membrane, membrane transportation. 8- Concepts of cell communication. Membrane antigens. 9-Internal membrane system (SER, RER, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, endosomes); vescicle trafficking. 10- Nucleus and its functions. Nucleolus, chromatin, cariotype. Cell cycle and its controls. 11- Cell death and cancer. Organismic reproduction. Sexual and asexual reproduction. Aploid and diploid organisms. 12. Meiosis. Male and female gametogenesis.

Readings/Bibliography

-Bonaldo, Duga, Pierantoni, Riva, Romanelli - Biologia e Genetica. EDISES

-Campbell, Reece - Biologia e Genetica. PEARSON

-Chieffi, Dolfini, Malcovati, Pierantoni, Tenchini. Biologia e Genetica. EDISES.
-Purves, Sadava, Orians, Heller. Elementi di Biologia e Genetica ed. ZANICHELLI.

Teaching methods

Lessons

Assessment methods

The student is expected to reach the main goals of the course. In particular, the student should:
- know cellular morphology and the function of cell organels
- know main cell processes, from the central dogma of informatin flux (duplication, transcription, protein synthesis) to the regulation of cell activities by means of gene regulation and cell signalling.
- Know main features of the following processes and of their regulation: proliferation, cell cycle, cell death, differentiation.
- know the main features of organismal reproduction; meiosis, gametogenesis, fertilization.
The exam is written.
The final vote will be the average of the vote obtained in the exam of Biology and in that of Biochemistry.

Teaching tools

Lessons are usually supported by images drawn from suggested text books; some movies and animations will be shown; a few easy scientific papers will be supplied, together with other didactic material

Office hours

See the website of Marina Marini