APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY
cod. 1004364

Academic year 2020/21
2° year of course - First semester
Professor
Marta MARMIROLI
Academic discipline
Biologia applicata (BIO/13)
Field
A scelta dello studente
Type of training activity
Student's choice
42 hours
of face-to-face activities
6 credits
hub: PARMA
course unit
in ITALIAN

Learning objectives

At the end of the course we expect the student to
- have acquired new instruments and insights into modern Biotechnology principles and applications;
- be able to understand experimental procedures for in vitro and in vivo experiments in biotechnology;
- identify the best experimental procedure according to the case;
- interpret in terms of plant physiology and biochemistry the main genetic improvements
- critically read and understand scientific publications

Prerequisites

Plant and animal biology,, genetics, Biochemistry, Physiscs, Maths

Course unit content

Modern Biotechnologies, “-omics” sciences and “System biology”, networks
Whole genome study and Comparative genomics
Genetic, Molecular and chemical databases
Model organisms for Biotechnology studies - Arabidopsis thaliana L Heynn and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
In vitro colture and sterility
Micropropagation
Synthetic growth media and plant hormones
Epigenetic variability and somaclonal variations
Plant Calli colture
Somatic Embryogenesis
Preparation and culture of protoplasts
Haploid plants: androgenesis, ginogenesis
Ploidy: variation and phenotypic consequences, chimeric organisms
Triticaceae: T. aestivum and T. durum, evolution
Proteins of T. durum
Fruits without seeds, commercial fruits
Secondary metabolism in plants
Shikimic acid pathway
Plant alcaloids: characterisation, utilisation
Morphine: biosynthetic pathway, actions on humans
Terpenes and carotenoids, metabolic pathways and examples
Isoprenoids, examples (Gums and terpenoids and essential oils)
Phenolic compounds, examples (Lignin)
Phytoalexins

Full programme

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Bibliography

Analisi Gentica Avanzata
Philip Meneely, edizione italiana a cura di R. Bernardoni e G. Perini
McGraw-Hill
ISBN-978-88-386-6519-6

Genomi 3

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons will be either student-engaging within an active learning dialogue on specific topics or heuristics descriptions and explanations by the teacher on broader aspects of biotechnology.
For each topic under study many applicative examples will be provided and interactively discussed during the frontal lessons. When necessary the teacher will utilize computer aids such as programs and databases to show specific points of interest.
Power point slides used by the teacher during the lessons will be provided directly to the students weekly, when possible.
Moreover, scientific papers of relevance that are discussed during the lessons will be provided to the students ad pdf. Files
Students will be subdivided in groups in order to carry on research activities in literature and databases on important topics discussed in previous lessons.

Assessment methods and criteria

The written examination is divided into 8-10 questions: the first 3/4 are on the basics of modern biotechnologies, the second block of 4/5 questions is on the experimental and practical applications, The last question is an individual research produced by the student on a topic regarding the secondary metabolism of plants.

Other information

Highly advisible

2030 agenda goals for sustainable development

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