Learning objectives
To provide the first year students with the basic concepts of classical and molecular genetics
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
The cours is composed of two main section. 1.CLASSICAL GENETICS: Mitosis and meiosis. Mendelian genetics. Characters segregation. Independent assortment. Modification of mendelian ratio. Multiple alleles. Gene interaction. Genes on X chromosome. Chromosome theory of inheritance. Linkage and recombination. Crossing over. Recombination in yeast. 2.
MOLECULAR BASIS OF HEREDITY: Events leading to the acceptance of DNA as genetic material. DNA: structure and replication. Chromosome structure in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. RNA structure, transcription and translation. The genetic code and its deciphering. Gene structure and organisation. Interrupted genes. The one-gene: one-enzyme hypothesis. Analysis of biochemical pathways. Genic complementation. Gene expression. Genome, chromosome and gene mutation. Molecular basis of mutation. Reversion. Suppressio. Detection of spontaneous or induced mutants. Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes. Operon Lac: negative and positive control; operon Trp: repression and attenuation; feedback regulation.
Practical and theoric activities are supporting the lessons.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Snustad DP, Simmons MJ (2009)
Principi di Genetica
4a Edizione
EdiSES
Griffiths AJF, Wessler SR, Carroll SB, Doebley J (2013)
Genetica
7a Edizione
Zanichelli Ed
Klug WS, Cummins MR, Spencer CA (2007)
Concetti di Genetica
8a Edizione
Pearson Prentice Hall
Russel PJ (2007)
Genetica
2a Edizione
EdiSES
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures and exercises; laboratory activities
Assessment methods and criteria
Written and oral examen
Other information
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