OVERVIEW

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge of the topics and the ability to frame the problems relating to the disciplinary contents of general, cellular biology and general genetics.

This knowledge constitutes the basis for understanding subsequent teachings in the biomedical area.

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

PREREQUISITES

This course assumes knowledge of basic concepts in Chemistry and Biology.

TEACHING METHODS

"To achieve the educational objectives of this course, students are provided with a general framework of the fundamental concepts and the functional significance of the subjects covered. 

• Classroom lectures: 

• Presentations (ppt) with graphic illustrations, photographs of cytological preparations, animations, etc."

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Biological macromolecules.
2. General organization of cells. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
3. Structure of nucleic acids and DNA topology.
4. Chromatin structure and genome organization.
5. Molecular mechanisms of DNA replication.
6. The flow of genetic information.
7. Transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Transcript maturation, protein synthesis, and their regulation.
8. Mechanisms for the degradation of cytoplasmic proteins: the ubiquitin-proteasome system.
9. Biological membranes. Their structure and transport processes.
10. Subcellular structures and their functions: Transport vesicles. Extracellular microvesicles. Smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Golgi complex. Early and late endosomes. Lysosomes: biogenesis, morphology, hydrolytic enzymes. Autophagy. Lysosomes. Peroxisomes. Mitochondria. Nucleus.
11. Biogenesis and maintenance of cellular compartments.
12. Regulation of vesicular protein trafficking. Molecular mechanisms of exocytosis and endocytosis.
13. Cell death: Apoptosis and Necrosis.
14. The cytoskeleton: cell shape and motility.
15. Cell cycle: phases and regulation. The mechanics of cell division.
16. Mitosis. Meiosis. Gametogenesis.
17. Interactions between cells. Adhesion molecules and the extracellular matrix.
18. Acquisition of the differentiated cellular state.
19. Elements of general genetics

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

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

Bonaldo et al, “Molecole, cellule e organismi”, Edises.

Zaccheo e Pestarino; "Citologia, istologia e anatomia microscopica"; Pearson

Maraldi e Tacchetti; "Biologia-Citologia medica"; Edi Ermes

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

LESSONS START

• Consult the detailed timetable at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/. Please refer to the specific AulaWeb instance of the course for any updates

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists in verifying – through a written test – the student's preparation concerning the teaching objectives.

Exam registration: • Online on the UNIGE website, after completing the Course Evaluation Questionnaire.

Exam format: • Multiple-choice written test, 5 answers with only one correct: 1 point for each correct answer. • Number of questions: 30 + 3 (10 + 1 for each module). • Time for the test: 35 minutes.

To pass the exam, a passing grade is required for each module (6/10). By correctly answering at least 28 questions, students have the opportunity to compete for honors by answering an additional 3 questions (1 for each module).

Students who have already obtained recognition for some modules must pass the remaining modules with the same rules as above.

Results are available on Aula web generally within 10 days from the exam date. Together with the results, instructions for accepting or rejecting the grade will be provided.

 Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Learning assessment takes place through the final written exam alone, which aims to verify the student's actual acquisition of the expected learning outcomes. To pass the exam, the student must demonstrate:

• Knowledge of cell organization at the structural, ultrastructural, and molecular levels.
• Knowledge of the morphology and functioning of the eukaryotic cell and its organelles at the structural, ultrastructural, and molecular levels.
• Ability to describe the functions of the individual constituents of the eukaryotic cell.
• Knowledge of the basics of gene expression and its regulation as well as the basics of general genetics.

Exam schedule