Learning objectives
Students, starting from the knowledge of DNA structure and chemical composition, will learn the advanced techniques of modern molecular biology applied in biotechnology and research.
Prerequisites
no
Course unit content
The bacterial cell.
Structure of DNA, genetic code and protein synthesis.
Techniques of DNA analysis and manipulation.
Recombinant DNA and cloning strategies.
Hybridization techniques.
The Polymerase Chain Reaction.
DNA sequencing. Bioinformatics for DNA sequence analysis.
Applications of recombinant DNA technology.
Full programme
The bacterial cell: approach to the technology of recombinant DNA.
DNA, the primary genetic material:
The structure of DNA; genetic code and protein synthesis. Role of genes in cells. Notions of gene expression and regulation.
Techniques of DNA analysis and manipulation:
Restriction enzymes, electrophoretic separation. Modification enzymes, in vitro reactions.
Recombinant DNA and cloning strategies:
Cloning vectors; bacterial competence and transformation.
Hybridization techniques:
Probes and hybridization: a cDNA library. Northern e Southern Blotting techniques.
The Polymerase Chain Reaction:
PCR technology and applications. DNA sequencing.
Bioinformatics for DNA sequence analysis: an approach to Nucleotide Sequences Databases.
Applications of recombinant DNA technology:
Procariotic expression vectors: pUC and pET plasmids. Few concepts of recombinant expression and protein engineering.
Bibliography
Allison L.A. Fondamenti di Biologia Molecolare, Zanichelli Ed.
All the study materials and supporting web sites are provided by the teacher.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons aided by presentations and animations files.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam
Other information
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