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

By the end of the module, students are supposed to be acquainted with:

a) the knowledge of the mechanisms regulating transmission and expression of genetic information;

b) the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the proliferation and the differentiation of eukaryotic cells;

c) the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of the eukaryotic cell with other cells;

d) the genetic basis of development and evolution.

TEACHING METHODS

Biology module includes 3 CFU of lectures.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The module is divided in 4 main areas:

1. Macromolecules and general biology – 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. Gene expression - Nucleic acids structure and functions, DNA duplication, transcription, translation, gene expression regulation.

3. Cell proliferation - Cell cycle and control mechanisms, mitosis, meiosis, gametogenesis, mechanisms and meaning of cell death (apoptosis and necrosis), mechanisms of cell differentiation and cell transformation.

4. Basic genetics - 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