Studying at the University of Verona
Here you can find information on the organisational aspects of the Programme, lecture timetables, learning activities and useful contact details for your time at the University, from enrolment to graduation.
Molecular biology (2009/2010)
Teaching code
4S00800
Credits
12
Coordinator
Language
Italian
Also offered in courses:
- Genome structure and function - BIOINFORMATICA AVANZATA (I) of the course Master's degree in Agri-Food Biotechnology
- Molecular biology of the course Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics (until 2008-2009)
The teaching is organized as follows:
LABORATORIO DI BIOINFORMATICA II
Credits
6
Period
See the unit page
Academic staff
See the unit page
Learning outcomes
Module: BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE
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Molecular Biology
The aim of this course is to provide a detailed description at the molecular level of the main issues regarding the mechanisms involved transmission, variation and expression of the information contained in the genome of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The main themes of the course will be a detailed description of the processes of gene transcription and translation and those related to DNA replication and mutagenesis.
Module: LABORATORIO DI BIOINFORMATICA II
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Program
Module: BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE
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The genetic information and informational molecules
General introduction and history. The structure of DNA and RNA. From genes to proteins, messenger RNA, transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA. The genetic code.
DNA and gene structure
The definition of gene. Coding and regulatory regions. Genes interrupted; introns.
Organization and evolution of genomes
DNA content and number of genes. Repetitive DNA. Gene families and gene duplication. Mutation, rearrangements of DNA and evolution of genomes.
The genomes of organelles.
Mobile genetic elements
Transposons,retrotransposons and retrovirus.
Chromatin and chromosomes
The nucleosomes; histones and their modifications. Higher levels of organization of chromatin. Eterochromatin and euchromatin. Eukaryotic chromosomes,telomers and centromeres.
DNA replication
The DNA polymerase. Proofreading activities of DNA polymerase.
The mechanism of replication in bacteria and eukaryotes.
Mutations and DNA repair
Spontaneous mutations and mutations caused by physical and chemical mutagens. Pre and post replication rapair systems. Recombination in immune system cells.
RNAs and transcription
The different types of RNA: synthesis and maturation. Bacterial RNA polymerase. The sigma factors. The eukaryotic RNA polymerase. Eukaryotic mRNA : capping, polyadenilation, transport in the cytoplasm. The process of transcription in bacteria and eukaryotes.
Regulation of gene expression
Bacterial promoters. Operons. Eukaryotic promoters. The regulation elements: enhancers, silencers, insulators, LCR. Gene expression and chromatin modifications. Epigenetic effects.
Introns and RNA Splicing
Spliceosomal introns. The spliceosome and mechanism of splicing. Alternative splicing and trans-Splicing. Other types of introns: group I and II introns. RNA editing. Ribozymes and riboswitch.
Translations
The ribosomes. Structure and function of tRNA. Synthesis of aminoacil-tRNA. Beginning of translation in bacteria and eukaryotes. Synthesis of polypeptides and termination of translation. Regulation of the translation. Location of proteins.
Module: LABORATORIO DI BIOINFORMATICA II
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Examination Methods
Module: BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE
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Oral examination
Module: LABORATORIO DI BIOINFORMATICA II
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