Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to illustrate the basic methods of recombinant technologies and their applications in plants and animals.
The course is divided in four parts:
1. Aims and importance of gene cloning. Methods and tools utilized
2. Application of recombinant technologies in plants
3. Application of recombinant technologies in animals and for health
Prerequisites
Some previous knowledge of biology, botany, microbiology, biochemistry and chemistry is highly advisable, as well a suitable level of English to consult literature.
Course unit content
1. Basic module
Fundamental principles of gene cloning - Importance of gene cloning - Cloning vectors: plasmids and bacteriophages – Methods for DNA purification - Methods for DNA manipulation - How to introduce DNA in living cells; transformation and selection of ricombinant clones -Cloning vectors for bacteria different from E. coli - Cloning vectors for fungi and yeasts - How to select a specific gene and analyse a cloned gene
2.Cloning in plants
Cloning vectors for plant organisms – Transformation methods for plant organisms - Obtainment of transgenic plants
3. Cloning in animal cells and applications in health field
Growth and properties of animal cells in
culture - Selection systems for animal cells - Gene transfer into animal cells - Plasmid vectors for animal cells, amplicons and expression vectors - The fate of transferred DNA - Viral vectors and retroviral vectors for animal cells. Gene therapy: principles and methods - Experimental models – Some experimental results - Potential human models
Full programme
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Bibliography
"Gene cloning an introduction" T.A. Brown (1986) Van Nostrand Reinhold (UK)
"Ingegneria Genetica" SM Kingsman, AJ Kingsman (1988) Piccin, Padova
"Biotecnologia molecolare" BR Glick, JJ Pasternak (1999) Zanichelli, Bologna
"Genetica generale e umana" volume secondo, L De Carli, E Boncinelli, GA Danieli, L Larizza (1998) Piccin, Padova
Teaching methods
It is conducted through:
1. theoretical classes by the teacher, followed by the individual work by the student for preparation.
2. seminars
3. training in laboratory
4. individual work for preparation of examination
Assessment methods and criteria
Students can choose between two ways of examination:
1. a written exam, consisting in six questions on parts 1 and 2, followed by an oral exam consisting on a question on the part 3.
2. the oral examination on the whole programme.
In the first case, is necessary to have obtained a positive evaluation to be admitted to the oral examination.
Moreover, in both cases to be admitted to the oral examination the student should prepare a report on laboratory training that will be evaluated during the examination.
The oral examination verifies the knowledge acquired by the student and the communication skills. The written exam and the laboratory report verifies knowledge and application of knowledge. In all cases, the learning ability is verified.
Other information
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