15950 - Biology and Genetics (A)

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Biology and Genetics course, students consolidate and integrate their knowledge of cellular processes and aspects of gene and epigenetic regulation of the mechanisms governing reproduction, differentiation, and cellular specialization, as well as the fundamental processes of homeostasis in relation to environmental influences. Students are able to apply the concepts learned to address biomedical problems related to regulatory mechanisms and their potential alterations underlying human health and disease. Students acquire specific knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for alterations caused by gene, chromosomal, and genomic mutations. They consolidate their understanding of phenomena related to the different modes of transmission of hereditary traits, including multifactorial inheritance. They are able to analyze the distribution and frequency of alleles and genotypes within a population, discussing the factors that influence these frequencies. They acquire a methodological approach informed by the use of advanced molecular genetics technologies and the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to biomedical problems. The Biology and Genetics course will demonstrate the value of the scientific methodological approach underlying biological discoveries that influence human health and will help students to understand how biological knowledge integrates seamlessly with other biomedical disciplines.

Course contents

Modern Biology introduction

The cellular and molecular biology.

The development of cell biology: from microscopy to systems biology. New objects of study in complex systems: genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and interactome.

The Biology Science evolution from cellular theory and microscopy to System Biology.

Genomics and post-genomics methods of the translational Medicine.

 

Biological basis for human reproduction

Reproductive strategies of living beings.

Reproduction in the human species: phenomenology and regulation of cellular events in male and female gametogenesis.

Structure of mature gametes and fertilization.

 

Biological bases of differentiation and cellular homeostasis

Determination and differentiation: control of gene expression and mechanisms of cellular diversification. Overview of molecular developmental biology in animal models.

Stem cells, cellular genealogies, and biological memory.

Skeletal muscle as a paradigm for understanding mechanisms leading to cellular differentiation.

Quiescent and continuously renewing cells: foundations for understanding pathological aspects caused by an imbalance in the homeostasis of biological systems.

 

Epigenetics and regulatory codes

The complexity of gene expression regulation: positional, nucleosomal, and histone codes.

Epigenetic: a new frontier in the cellular information knowledge and in medicine.

Physiology of epigenetic modifications and environmental effects on the epigenome.

 

The world of RNA and biomedical applications

The new dogmas of biology: RNA genes or non-coding RNAs.

An in-depth look at RNA interference (RNAi): function in silencing of human genes.

Small interfering RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and piRNAs.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs): classification and functions.

Possible RNA therapy approaches. New molecular targets in therapy: the translational medicine.

Readings/Bibliography

The book should be of University level and it should take only after the lessons are going to begin. Some suggestions:

Alessandro R, Bucci C, Fasano S. Biologia e genetica. Edises V edizione/2025.

or in alternative, one of the listed below:

Alberts B, Hopkin K, Johnson A, Morgan D et al. L'essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula. Zanichelli V edizione/2020.

Bonaldo P, Brancolini C, Ginelli E, Malcovati M, Poletti A et al. Molecole, Cellule e Organismi. EdiSES, 2022.

Becker WM, Kleinsmith LJ, Hardin J. Il mondo della cellula. Pearson Bnjamin Cummings X edition/2022.

Iwasa J. Marshall W. Biologia cellulare e molecolare di Karp. VI edition, EdiSES, 2021.

For more details:

Alberts B, Heald R, Johnson A, Morgan D, Raff M, Roberts K, Walter Biologia molecolare della cellula. Zanichelli VII edition/2025.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons, video and discussion of some topics and scientific papers.

Assessment methods

The student must face an oral examination about Biology, Genetics and Medical genetics in the same day.

The topics of the exam will be the master argument treated during the lessons and specified in class at the end of the course.

The degree will be the weighted average of the three evaluations.

Teaching tools

Books, reviews, full papers, video and digital platform for teacher's original schemes and notes (platform Virtuale).

Office hours

See the website of Flavia Frabetti