LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Explain and contrast the structure of the gene in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
2. Explain principles of regulation of gene expression
3. Explain characteristics of genetic code
4. Explain types of mutations and their role on the protein structure
5. Explain principles of gene cloning and list the methods for introduction of foreign DNA into plant and animal cells
6. List the basic methods in molecular biology, and explain their applications
7. Describe and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of GMO and explain strategies for making GMO organisms
8. Discuss the role of biotechnology in the production of useful chemicals
LECTURES:
1. Introduction to the course, the concept of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, structure of DNA, definition of a gene and its relatedness to the protein, genomes, and DNA organization within cells
2. Regulation of gene expression: regulation at the level of transcription, positive and negative, inducible and repressible
3. Gene code: characteristics, the role of the reading frame in protein synthesis
4. Basic methods in molecular biology: PCR (basic principles and primer design), RTPCR, qPCR,
5. Basic methods in molecular biology: DNA sequencing or Sanger (dedoxy nucleotides) and NGS (next generation sequencing), human genome project, application of DNA sequencing
6. Basic methods in molecular biology: hybridization of nucleic acids (Northern blotting and Southern blotting), RFPL, microarray
7. Basic methods in molecular biology: recombinant DNA technology (principles and application)
8. Transgenic plants and animals: gene transfer in plants and animals (A. tumefaciens, T plasmid, chimeric animals, viral vectors)
9. GMO organisms, overview, risks and benefits
10. Basic biotechnology: from the starting substrate to the final product
SEMINAR:
Students should prepare a short power point presentation on a given or chosen topic related to the course. Oral presentation is obligatory.
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