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 Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Written test. The test consists of 31 multiple-choice questions, each with 5 options, of which only one is correct. The questions may cover theoretical topics included in the syllabus or simple exercises of formal genetics. Each correct answer will receive 1 point; incorrect or unanswered questions will receive 0 points. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass the exam. Honors will be awarded to students who achieve a total score higher 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.