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.
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-learningdisabilities
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 30
multiple-choice questions and one problem. 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. Multiple choice questions and the problem will receive 1 point each in case of
correct answer, 0 points in case of wrong answer or no response. 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. Gender mainstreaming: approaches to grant equal benefits in actions and activities for women and mens and for eliminating gender inequalities.

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.