Molecular Biology C
Code
10521
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Department
Departamento de Ciências da Vida
Credits
3.0
Teacher in charge
José Paulo Nunes de Sousa Sampaio, Sérgio Joaquim Raposo Filipe
Weekly hours
3
Total hours
25
Teaching language
Português
Objectives
The main objective of the subject Molecular Biology C is to provide a molecular description of the different processes that ensure the viability of a cell unit and an identification of the different components involved.
After attending this course, students should be able to:
1. Identify the different components that are found in different cell types.
2. Describe the process by which DNA molecule has been identified as a determinant for hereditary information.
3. Identify the chemical composition of the DNA molecule, its structure and its organization in a cell unit.
4. Describe the DNA replication process and explain how the reliability of this process is ensured.
5. Describe the process by which the information encoded in the DNA molecule is translated into mRNA (transcription) and protein (translation).
6. Identify mechanisms that ensure the regulation of gene expression process.
7. Use accessible information in different databases in order to analyze the composition, structure and function of a protein encoded by a specific sequence of nucleic acids.
Prerequisites
The frequency of practical classes taught in the discipline of Molecular Biology C is mandatory. These classes will provide exercises and goals whose implementation will contribute to consolidate the concepts learned in lectures.
Subject matter
The Molecular Biology of C course program includes the following topics:
1. Molecular components found within cells and their function.
2. Description of experiments carried out by Avery / MacLeod / McCarty
3. Structure and chemical composition of DNA and other nucleic acids.
4. Chromosomal DNA: its composition, organization and packaging in different cells (eukaryotic vs prokaryotic cells).
5.Mechanisms used by different cells to replicate their DNA.
6. Types of mutations and mechanisms of mutagenesis.
7. Molecular processes that ensure high fidelity of DNA replication.
8. Mechanisms used in the recombination and repair of the DNA molecule.
9. Processes that cells use to read their genome: (1) from DNA to RNA (transcription); from RNA to protein (translation).
10. Strategies used by cells to ensure accuracy in the translation process.
11. Control of gene expression by sequence specific DNA-binding proteins and small molecules (tryptophan and lac operon).
12. Examples of post-transcriptional controls of gene expression.
Bibliography
Molecular Biology of the Cell; B. Alberts, A. Johnson, J. Lewis, D. Morgan, M. Raff, K. Roberts, P. Walter; 6th edition (2015). Garland Science, Taylor & Francis Group, New York.
Slides presented in the lectures and theoretical-practical classes which will be provided by the regent.
Teaching method
Lectures of 1.5 h duration and theoretical and practical lessons of 2h duration in rooms with data-show and internet.