VIROLOGY AND MICROBIAL PHYSIOLOGY
Learning outcomes of the course unit
Students learn principles of microbial physiology and the first elements of virology. Moreover, first insights into use of health promoting bacteria applied to functional foods will be provided.
Prerequisites
General Microbiology
Course contents summary
PRINCIPLES OF VIROLOGY
Structure and Composition of Viruses; viral morphology; viral envelopes; chemical composition of virons; classification and nomenclature of viruses; viral replication; mechanisms of infection.
Microbial physiology (applications)
Methods for the study of microbial communities and environment monitoring. Microbial biodiversty as tool for bioremediation. Hydrocarbon degradation and microrganisms involved. Dehalogenation of chlorurated organic compounds. Metal detoxification. "Bioremediation" ( in situ and ex situ techniques). Microrganisms as source of biodegradable polymers (Xanthan, PHA, Polylactic acid). Microrganisms as source of industrial enzymes (amylases, cellulases, proteases etc)
Course contents
1) Nutrition, laboratory cultures, and metabolism of microorganisms
- nutrition and culture of microorganisms
- energetic and enzymes
- oxidation-reduction and energy-rich compounds
- major catabolic pathways, electron transport and the proton motive force
- catabolic alternatives and biosynthesis
2) Microbial growth
- bacterial cell division
- growth of bacterial population
- environmental effects on microbial growth
3) Essential of molecular biology
- gene and gene expression
- DNA structures
- DNA replication
- RNA synthesis
- protein synthesis
4) Genetics of microorganisms and overview of molecular biology
- Virus
- bacteriophages
Recommended readings
Prescott, Willey, Sherwood, Woolverton “Microbiologia “ 7/ed McGraw-Hill Companies srl volumi 1-2-3(2009)
Tortora, Funke, Case "Elementi di Microbiologia" Pearson Education Inc.(2008)
Madigan et al. “Brock, Biologia dei Microrganismi” volumi 1-2-3 Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (2007)
Ratledge e Krisiansen "Biotecnologie di base" Zanichelli (2004)
Teaching methods
In itinere tests and final examination
