Ateneo - UPO

-Basic properties and components of living organisms (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids) -DNA organization, replication and repair -Principles of transcription and translation of the genetic information -Structure and function of the animal, plant and microbial cells -Cell communication -Kinetic aspects of microbial growth, nutritional requirements and metabolism of bacteria -Microbial growth control techniques -Basic description of the structure and replicative cycles of the main bacterial and animal viruses -Human-microorganism interactions and basic notions on the mechanisms of action and resistance to antimicrobial drugs.

Biologia molecolare della cellula, Alberts, ZanichelliL’essenziale di Biologia molecolare della cellula, Alberts, ZanichelliBiologia cellulare e molecolare, Karp, EdisesIl mondo della cellula, Becker, EdisesBiologia Vegetale, Longo, UTETBiologia vegetale, Pupillo, Zanichelli Biologia delle piante, Raven, ZanichelliBrock Biology of Microorganisms (14th Edition) Pub

The course aims to provide students with adequate information and basic knowledge on organization of animal and plant cells and the biology of microorganisms. In particular, the objectives of the course will be: - provide students with theoretical knowledge and understanding of the biology of eucariotic and procariotic cells, mechanisms of expression and transmission of genetic information and intercelllualr relationships. The course also aims to provide students with adequate skills for managing information and communicating.

Basic knowledge of cell biology that can be acquired in previous school curricula.

Classroom lectures will be held during October to January. Some topics will be deepened with videos in English and Italian and classroom exercises.

The slides of the lectures and additional material are available on the website “Didattica in Rete”: https://www.dir.uniupo.it/ 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

Computer-Based Multiple Choice Exams. Multiple choice questions, concerning the items listed in the program, include a phrase followed by two to five options. Each correct response results in a positive score and omitted items result in no mark. The overall exam of the course is made up of a set of individual quizzes relating to each module of the course, proposed simultaneously on the same exam date. In order to pass the exam it is necessary to reach the sufficiency (18/30) in each module. From the individual evaluation of the same, votes will emerge which, following collective discussion, will give rise to the proposed vote. Exams are held in February, June / July and September with at least two calls per session.

• Biological macromolecules • DNA: structure and organization of DNA. DNA replication. Mutations: importance in the pathology and evolution. • Molecular definition of gene • The transcription and maturation of RNAs • The modulation of gene expression in eukaryotes • The genetic code and its characteristics • The protein synthesis • Plasma membrane: organization of the phospholipid bilayer, active and passive transport • Rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus: membrane and secreted protein synthesis, signal sequences, glycosylation and maturation of proteins in the Golgi. • Lysosomes and peroxisomes • Mitochondria • General principles of cell communication Properties of receptors and intracellular generation of messages •The extracellular matrix • The cytoskeleton • The phases of the cell cycle and mitosis. The cell cycle control • General features of plant cells: wall, plastids, vacuole • The plant tissues • Photosynthesis: dark phase and light phase • Plant hormones • Structure and functions of the bacterial cell • Microbial locomotion • Surface structures and cellular inclusions • Microbial metabolism • The structure of DNA and its replication • Microbial nutrition: types of nutrition among bacteria • Environmental effects on microbial growth • The cultivation and enumeration of microorganisms • Concepts of sterilization and disinfection • The growth cycle of a bacterial population • Principles of molecular biology of microorganisms (transformation, conjugation, generalized and specialized transduction, plasmids) • Control of microbial growth • Elements of virology • Human-microorganism interactions • Virulence factors and toxins • The main mechanisms of action of antimicrobial drugs • The mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial drugs

owledge and ability to understand, critically analyze and lexicon of molecular, cellular biology and microbiology. The student will acquire tools for: 1) Understanding the principles and methodologies of molecular, cellular biology and microbiology and their application 2) Understanding the molecular mechanisms of gene expression and function 3) Understanding the organization and functioning of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells 4) Understanding the interaction between microorganisms and the natural environment and between microorganisms and the host 5) Understanding the main mechanisms of action of antimicrobial drugs and resistance mechanisms implemented by microorganisms.