MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Learning outcomes of the course unit
Students, starting from the knowledge of DNA structure and chemical composition, will learn the advanced techniques of modern molecular biology applied in biotechnology and research.
Prerequisites
no
Course contents summary
The bacterial cell: approach to the technology of recombinant DNA.
DNA, the primary genetic material
The structure of DNA, genetic code and protein synthesis. Role of genes in cells. Notions of gene expression and regulation.
Techniques of DNA analysis and manipulation
Restriction enzymes, electrophoretic separation. Modification enzymes, in vitro reactions.
Recombinant DNA and cloning strategies
Cloning vectors; bacterial competence and transformation.
Hybridization techniques
Probes and hybridization: a cDNA library. Northern e Southern Blotting techniques.
The Polymerase Chain Reaction
PCR technology and applications. DNA sequencing.
Applications of recombinant DNA technology
Procariotic expression vectors: pUC and pET plasmids. Few concepts of recombinant expression and protein engineering.
Recommended readings
Allison L.A. Fondamenti di Biologia Molecolare, Zanichelli Ed.
All the study materials and supporting web sites are provided by the teacher.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons aided by presentations and animations files. Oral exam.
