Ateneo - UPO

The course provides knowledge on the structure, organization, replication and transmission of the hereditary material in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The course will also cover an introduction to population and quantitative genetics.

RUSSEL P.J. Genetica “un approccio molecolare”, Ed. Pearson
SNUSTAD P.D., SIMMONS M.J.- Principi di genetica, Ed. EdiSES.
GRIFFITHS A.J.F., GELBART W., LEWONTIN R.C., SUZUKI D.T., MILLER J.H., WESSLER S.R. Genetica - Principi di analisi formale, Ed. Zanichelli.

The course aims to teach the student the organization, expression and transmission of genetic material, both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The different types of gene and chromosomal mutations will be studied, as well as their origins and their consequences on phenotype. Student will be provided of the tools to understand and recognize the different mode of transmission of genetic traits, with particular emphasis to the Mendelian inheritance and its extensions. The study of the base mechanisms of the evolution will provide the student with the ability to describe the genetic variability within and among populations.

Basic knowledge of biology.

Class lectures with PowerPoint projections and use of the overhead projector for exercises explanation and solution.

Learning control: In-class writing exercises.

Written test. The test consists of two short open-ended questions, 20 multiple-choice questions and one problem. Open-ended questions will be theoretical questions on the various arguments of the course. Multiple choice questions (5 options, only one correct answer) will include both theoretical questions and simple exercises of formal genetics or population genetics. The open problem will involve formal or population genetics, but it will require a detailed answer, and students will have to motivate the answer provided. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass the exam. The maximum score for open ended questions will be of 4 points each. Multiple choice questions will receive 1 point each in case of correct answer, 0 points in case of wrong answer or no response. The maximum score for the open problem will be of 4 points. The overall assessment will take account of the partial scores obtained in the open questions, in the problem and in the multiple-choice questions. The full score (30 cum laude) will be assigned to students who will reach an overall score greater than 30. During the test students will be allowed to use a calculator. They will not be allowed to use notes, books, cell phones or other electronic equipments.

The genetic material: chemical composition and structure. Replication, transcription and translation of genetic material. DNA organization in prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes. Mutation and DNA repair. Cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Mendel's laws and their applications. Human mendelian genetics: interpretation of pedigrees. Extension of mendelian analysis: multiple alleles and genetic interaction (epistasis, penetrance and expressivity). Chromosome theory of heredity. Sex chromosomes and sex determination. Variations in chromosome number and structure (polyploidy, aneuploidy, deletions and duplications). Genetic recombination and genetic maps. Genetics of microorganisms: bacteria, bacteriophages and yeast. Exchange of genetic material: conjugation, transformation and transduction. Regulation of gene expression in bacteria and bacteriophages. Principles of population genetics: genetic variability, allele and genotype frequencies, the Hardy-Weinberg principle. Random and assortative matings. Genetic drift, migration and mutation. Natural selection. Quantitative genetics.

Knowledge and understanding
To know the structure, replication and transmission of the genetic material. To understand the bases of the Mendelian inheritance and of the interaction among genes. To know the different types of gene and chromosomal mutations. To know the most important mechanisms of transferring of genetic material and regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes. To understand the basics of population genetics.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course the student should be able:
To apply the acquired knowledge to solve questions regarding the Mendelian inheritance, both qualitatively (expected genotypes and phenotypes) and quantitatively (expected frequencies). To distinguish among the different types of inheritance and to predict the phenotypic effects of the interactions between alleles at a single locus and among genes. To describe a Mendelian population, to calculate allelic and genotypic frequencies, to know the fundamental processes that govern the evolution of populations. To describe and compare the different mode of transferring genetic information between bacteria.
Making judgements
Ability to formulate hypotheses about genetic transmission and to critically discuss the complex relationships between genotype and phenotype.
Communication skills
Ability to expose the subjects of the course in a clear and comprehensible way and with the use of the appropriate scientific terminology.
Learning skills
Ability to deepen their knowledge of the genetics on several books and on scientific articles in order to follow with a critical attitude the advancement of discipline.