Learning objectives
In the first part of the course special care is given to the description of the experimental protocols. This aspect should point out that the Mendelian genetics allowed for a high degree of understanding of the main mechanisms of inheritance, without the need to known the physico-chemical structure of the gene. In order to better understand this point, a number of lessons is dedicated to the resolution of problems on the Mendelian genetics and its extensions.
Aim of the subsequent part of the course (extension of the Mendelism to populations and quantitative traits) is the knowledge of a number of statistical methods which are important in the field of the genetic improvement of plants and animal (genetic of quantitative traits). Understanding of the microevolution process is favored by a detailed explanation of the mathematical aspects intrinsic to population genetics.
Analogously, several aspects of the second part of the course (Molecular Genetics) concern the description of experiments.The graduate should clearly understand “how” the researchers proved the existence of fine molecular mechanisms such as replication, transcription or deciphering the genetic code. Special care is given to molecular evolution, pointing out that that the biological molecules under examination are a common inheritance of all living organisms.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and physics
Course unit content
The aim of the course is a clear understanding of the main mechanisms of inheritance.
The first part concerns the Mendelian genetics. It covers a span of time comprised between the beginning and the half of the XX century (from rediscovery of the Mendelian laws to description of the fine structure of the gene by Benzer). Gene is described as an hereditary factor, which can be identified by the presence of at least one allele and then mapped on the chromosome by means of genetic crosses. The construction of a genetic map in bacteria and in eukaryotic organisms is explained in detail.
The subsequent part of the course is an extension of the Mendelian genetics from an evolutionary vewpoint. It concerns genetics of quantitative traits and the fate of the genetic material in populations. Since these topics are eminently quantitative, special care is given to the statistical methods.
The second part of the course concerns the molecular basis of the gene expression. Rather than a theoretical entity, the gene is now a double-stranded DNA nucleotide sequence which must be recognized by a number of proteins. The topics are the chemical structure of the genetic material, the structure of the chromosome (from the double-helix model to the compact metaphasic structure), the replication and transcription of DNA, the deciphering of the genetic code and the translation of RNA into proteins. Point mutations, DNA repair, and regulation of gene expression in bacteria are also treated in detail.
Full programme
1) Introduction to genetics
ID: knowledge and understanding
ID: making judgements
ID: communication skills
2) Mitosis and meiosis
ID: knowledge and understanding
ID: learning skills
3) Mendelian genetics
ID: knowledge and understanding
ID: learning skills
4) Extension of the Mendelian genetics
ID: knowledge and understanding
ID: learning skills
5) Gene mapping in eukaryotes
ID: knowledge and understanding
ID: learning skills
6) Gene mapping in bacteria and phages
ID: knowledge and understanding
ID: learning skills
7) Sex determination
ID: knowledge and understanding
10) Structure and analysis of DNA
ID: knowledge and understanding
11) Replication and recombination
ID: knowledge and understanding
12) Organization of DNA into chromosomes
ID: knowledge and understanding
13) Transcription and deciphering the genetic code
ID: knowledge and understanding
14) Translation of mRNA and basic elements of protein structure
ID: knowledge and understanding
15) Point mutations and DNA repair
ID: knowledge and understanding
16) Regulation of gene expresion in prokaryotes
ID: knowledge and understanding
24) Genetics of quantitative traits
ID: applying knowledge and understanding
25) Population genetics
ID: knowledge and understanding
Bibliography
Klug W.S, Cummings M.R. Concetti di Genetica. Pearson Editore
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and exercises (resolution of Mendelian genetics problems).
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination,with request of written resolutiion of 1 problem of Mendelian genetics. What is ascertained is the ability of the student to explain, with a good care of language, both topics of Mendelian genetics and of molecular genetics.
Other information
Is appreciated a basic knowledge of the English language
