This course provides a basic outline of molecular and cellular biology, of the functional mechanisms of nuclear biomolecular processes, from the management of the genetic information to the generation of specialized cell types, with a focus on pathologies associated with malfunctioning of these processes (cancer, specific hereditary diseases)
Aim of this course is
-To provide students with a knowledge of the basic principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology as well as the ability to analyze biological problems regarding the same topics.
-To acquire knowledge of: a) the mechanisms that rule the transmission and expression of genetic information; b) the structure and the functional organization of the cell, with a focus on the eukaryotic cell; c) the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the proliferation and differentiation of the eukaryotic cells
The course consists of 10 hours of classroom lessons on all topics of the program .
The last part of each lesson is dedicated to solving simple biology questions.
Molecular biology:
Chemical composition and structure of DNA DNA replication: molecular mechanisms DNA repair mechanisms Transcription of RNA: molecular mechanisms Messenger RNA and its maturation in eukaryotes Ribosomal RNA and ribosomes Molecular structure of genes and proteins General characteristics of the genetic code Translation: molecular mechanisms
Proteins: chemical-physical characteristics and structure
Cellular Biology:
Cell cycle in eukaryotes Cell proliferation and control mechanisms (growth factors, receptors, oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes) Development and differentiation in multicellular eukaryotes and related mechanisms (homeotic genes) Similarities and differences between viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes
All the topics covered in class can be found in the ”aula web” slides.
https://www.aulaweb.unige.it
Any other more in-depth material is mentioned at the end of the lesson in the “aula web” slides and described in the following textbooks
-Sadava – «Elementi di biologia e genetica»
-Hills – «Elementi di biologia e genetica»
-De Leo – «Biologia e genetica»
-Raven-Johnson - « Genetica e Biologia molecolare,»
Ricevimento: Wednesday 10:00 to 12:00
PAOLA GHIORZO (President)
GABRIELLA PIATTI
ROBERTO RAVAZZOLO
GIOVANNA BIANCHI (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)
Written test (10 multiple choice questions) for the Biology section.) The examination for the integrated course is made up of a single written exam for the 4 sub-sections (10 multiple choice questions for each module). In order to pass the examination athe student has to reach a mark of at least 24/40 (18/30).
The total amount of time allowed for the examination is 60 minutes. Students enrolled in other universities or other degree courses who are only required to sit for some of the sub-sections must achieve an average mark of at least 6, 12 or 18, depending on the number of modules.
Students are assessed by a final exam alone which aims to ensure that they have actually reached the required level of knowledge.
In order to pass the examination and to reach a mark of at least 18/30, the students must prove their knowledge on :
a) the mechanisms that rule the transmission and the expression of the genetic information;
b) the structure and the functional organization of the cell, with a focus on eukaryotic cells;
c) the cellular and molecular mechanism of proliferation and differentiation of the eukaryotic cell
Students must make an appointment to talk to professors(e-mail, phone).
