Ateneo - UPO

The course provides knowledge on the structure, organization, replication and transmission of the hereditary material in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

RUSSEL P.J. Genetica “un approccio molecolare”, Ed. Pearson
SNUSTAD P.D., SIMMONS M.J.- Principi di genetica, Ed. EdiSES.

The course aims to teach the student the organization, expression and transmission of genetic material, both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. 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.

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 2 short open-ended questions and 25 multiple-choice questions. 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. The maximum score for open ended questions will be of 3 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. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass the exam.The honors will be awarded to students who receive a total score of more than 30.

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. Extension of mendelian analysis: multiple alleles and genetic interaction (epistasis, penetrance and expressivity). Genetic recombination. Genetics of microorganisms: bacteria, bacteriophages and yeast. Exchange of genetic material: conjugation, transformation and transduction. Regulation of gene expression in bacteria and bacteriophages.

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 most important mechanisms of transferring of genetic material and regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes.
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 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.