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.

This information is intended exclusively for students already enrolled in this course.
If you are a new student interested in enrolling, you can find information about the course of study on the course page:

Laurea in Bioinformatica - Enrollment from 2025/2026

The Study Plan includes all modules, teaching and learning activities that each student will need to undertake during their time at the University.
Please select your Study Plan based on your enrollment year.

2° Year  activated in the A.Y. 2022/2023

ModulesCreditsTAFSSD
12
B
INF/01
6
C
BIO/18
1 module among the following
6
C
FIS/07

3° Year  activated in the A.Y. 2023/2024

ModulesCreditsTAFSSD
Final exam
3
E
-
activated in the A.Y. 2022/2023
ModulesCreditsTAFSSD
12
B
INF/01
6
C
BIO/18
1 module among the following
6
C
FIS/07
Modules Credits TAF SSD
Between the years: 2°- 3°
Between the years: 2°- 3°
Further activities
3
F
-

Legend | Type of training activity (TTA)

TAF (Type of Educational Activity) All courses and activities are classified into different types of educational activities, indicated by a letter.




S Placements in companies, public or private institutions and professional associations

Teaching code

4S004476

Coordinator

Stefano Capaldi

Credits

6

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Period

Semester 2 dal Mar 6, 2023 al Jun 16, 2023.

Learning objectives

The aim of this course is to provide a detailed description at the molecular level of the main issues regarding the mechanisms involved in transmission, variation and expression of the information con-tained in the genome of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The main topics of the course will focus on a detailed description of the processes of gene transcription and translation and those related to DNA replication and mutagenesis. The students will acquire knowledge of the fundamental structures of biological systems in a molecu-lar and cellular perspective and of the mechanisms inherent to the transmission, manipulation and expression of the information contained in the genome of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The students will be able to understand the genetic bases of life and to apply the acquired knowledge to use and possibly develop bioinformatics tools for the investigation of structure-function relationships of biological macromolecules and the regulation of their functions. They will be able to read and un-derstand advanced biology textsbooks and undertake a master-level course in both biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Having attended and possibly having taken the exam of the courses of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Program

Course program:
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.

The teaching material used in class lessons is available on the e-learning platform of the course.

Suggested textbooks:
Lewin, The Gene - Compact Edition, Zanichelli
Cox, Molecular Biology, Zanichelli
Watson, Molecular Biology of the Genus, Zancihelli

Bibliography

Visualizza la bibliografia con Leganto, strumento che il Sistema Bibliotecario mette a disposizione per recuperare i testi in programma d'esame in modo semplice e innovativo.

Didactic methods

Lessons in classroom.

Learning assessment procedures

Multiple choice written test (20 questions, 1:30 hours).

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD), who intend to request the adaptation of the exam, must follow the instructions given HERE

Evaluation criteria

Knowledge of the topics covered in the course is assessed through the ability to identify the correct answer.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final score is calculated on the basis of the number of correct answers (1.5 points for correct answer).

Exam language

Italiano