OVERVIEW

The course aims at providing students with basic knowledge of the molecular mechanisms supporting the principal cell functions (from morphology and internal organization up to gene expression regulation, generation of differentiated cell lineages and genetic traits transmission). 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aim of this course is to provide the students with the knowledge of the basic principles of Cell Biology and Genetics as well as the ability to understand and analyze biological problems. Students will be requested to get acquainted with cell morphology and functions at the structural, ultrastructural and molecular levels

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aim of this course is to provide students with the knowledge of the mechanisms regulating transmission and expression of genetic information; the structure, the organization and the function of the cell, with particular reference to the eukaryotic cell; the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the proliferation and the differentiation of eukaryotic cells; the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of the eukaryotic cell with other cells; the genetic basis of development and evolution.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes classroom teaching on topics of Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is divided in 5 main areas:

1. Macromolecules and general biology – Topics to be developed: Basic structure and properties of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates shall be presented with focus on chemical bonds and molecular structure and interactions to provide notions to understand the basic cell biology. Principles of classification of living organisms. Species  and speciation. Cell theory: prokaryotes eukaryotes, general organization and their genomes,  molecular evolution. phylogenetic trees.

2. Citology – Topics to be developed: Cell morphology and structure of eucariotes. Biological membranes (models, chemical composition and functions), cell organelles (Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, lisosomes, peroxisomes, mitochondria, nucleus), cytoskeleton (composition and functions of the different systems). 

3. Gene expression - Topics to be developed:  Nucleic acids structure and functions, DNA duplication, transcription, translation, gene expression regulation.

4. Cell proliferation - Topics to be developed:  Cell cycle and control mechanisms, mitosis, meiosis, gametogenesis, mechanisms and meaning of cell death (apoptosis and necrosis), mechanisms of cell differentiation and cell transformation.

5. Basic genetics - Topics to be developed:  Genetic significance of meiosis and gametogenesis. Basic notions of  classical genetics. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alberts et al.; "L'essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula"; Zanichelli Editori.

-Becker et al.; "Il mondo della cellula"; Pearsons Eds.

-Solomon et al.; "Biologia"; Edises

-Karp et al.; "Biologia cellulare e molecolare"; Edises

-Pollard et a.; "Biologia Cellulare"; Elsevier-Masson Eds.

-Russell et al.; “Genetica, un approccio moelcolare”, Pearson 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ROBERTA CASTRICONI (President)

PAOLA GHIORZO (President)

EMANUELA MARCENARO (President)

SIMONA SIVORI (President)

RODOLFO QUARTO (President and Coordinator of Integrated Course)

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Final test is based on a multiple choice test. Should COVID19 restrictions be continued, final tests shall be held orally in remote mode.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Aim of the written test is to verify that students have acquired the learning outcomes.Passing of the written test is achieved with  a score of at least 18/30, and at least 6/10 for each single module.

Exam schedule