Learning objectives
The course aims to convey to the student the basic principles of
biology that are necessary for understanding the
microbiology. The proposed topics will allow the student to
acquire the tools to describe the structures and functions
microbial, the recognition of the main bacteria taxa, according to most
recent phylogenetic theories. In this way the student will be provided with the ability to understand the world of microorganisms as a part essential of ecosystems.
Prerequisites
Have sufficient knowledge of general biology and biochemistry.
Course unit content
Fundamental principles of the biology of microorganisms and their peculiarities
features.
Full programme
1) Introduction to Microbiology
- Microbiology
- The three Domain of Life: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya
- Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell characteristics and differences
- Structures and dimension of prokaryotic cells
- Microorganisms and their natural environments
- The impact of microorganism on humans and environment
- The history of Microbiology
2) Macromolecules
- Simple carbohydrates and polysaccharides
- Lipids
- Nucleic acids
- Amino acids and peptide bond
- Proteins
3) Cell structure and functions
- Cell morphology and microscopic analysis
- Cell membranes and cell walls
- Microbial locomotion
- Surface structures and inclusion of prokaryotes
4) Nutrition, laboratory cultures, and metabolism of microorganisms
- Microbial nutrition, micro- and macro-elements
- The culture: direct and indirect methods for counting microorganisms
- Energetic and enzymes
- Oxidation-reduction reactions and energy-rich compounds
- Major catabolic pathways, electron transport and the proton motive force
- Aerobic and anaerobic respiration and various fermentations
- Catabolic alternatives and biosynthesis
5) Microbial growth
- bacterial cell division
- The growth of a bacterial population: the growth phases
- Environmental effects on microbial growth
6) Essential of molecular biology
- Introduction to genes and gene expression
- DNA structure
- DNA replication
- RNA synthesis
- Protein synthesis
- Regulation of gene expression
- Mechanisms of gene transfer
- Horizontal and vertical genetic transfer
7) Introduction to microbial taxonomy
- Classical and molecular taxonomy
- The use of Bergey’s manual
- Microbial phylogeny
- main bacterial groups
8) Genetics of microorganisms
- Viruses: classification, morphology and main genetic characteristics
- Bacteriophages
- Genomics and functional genomics
9) Probiotic microorganisms
- Probiotics and prebiotics
- The intestinal microbiota
Bibliography
-Brock.Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale.
-Biologia dei Microrganismi, Deho', Galli, CEA
Teaching methods
Oral lectures with continual references to the general principles of the
practice in the laboratory.
Assessment methods and criteria
The learning assessment methods require a written test
on the topics covered.
The written test consists of a series of closed-field questions and two
open questions in which the learning level of the
disciplinary theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply them
student knowledge. Each question will be given a score. The sum of the correct answers will allow the final grade to be obtained.
Other information
The course promotes the acquisition of independent judgment, in
consideration of previous general knowledge and specific information
obtained from suggested textbooks and educational materials provided.
