Introduction to Microbiology, Microbial Genetics and Recombinant DNA Technology
Code
21207
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
Department
Genetics
Credits
6
Teacher in charge
A nomear
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
(i) The course aims to provide the students with an understanding of mechanisms of DNA replication and mutation, of gene expression and its regulation, and of the different mechanisms of gene transfer in bacteria and its biological consequences.
(ii) The course aims to achieve teaching basic and modern concepts of genetic engineering, recombinant DNA methodologies, genetic analysis and functional genomics.
(iii) The course aims to provide the necessary tools for the students to be able to solve problems and to perform practical experiments in the laboratory.
Prerequisites
n/a
Subject matter
1. Molecular Biology; chromosome structure and replication; cell division.
2. Gene expression: structure and function of RNA and proteins; transcription, translation.
3. Gene transfer: recombination, conjugation, transformation, transduction.
4. Genetic analysis: mutants; reversion and suppression; recombination and complementation; genetic mapping.
5. Recombinant DNA: endonucleases, restriction/modification; physical mapping, cloning, vectors, DNA libraries.
6. Polimerase chain reaction.
7. Study of gene functions: mutagenesis and allelic replacement, reverse genetics, transposition; gene fusions, reporter genes; subcellular localization and topological markers, mapping of functional domains, protein-protein interactions.
8. Functional genomics and proteomics.
9. Regulation of gene expression: transcriptional, posttranscriptional and quality control, interactions proteinRNA/DNA, nucleases, riboswitches, small RNAs/antisense RNAs, translation regulation and proteolysis.
Bibliography
Snyder, L., and W. Champness. Molecular Genetics of Bacteria. ASM Press, 2007.
Teaching method
The theoretical and practical classes directed for the resolution of problems and using the state-of-the-art methodologies will enable the acquisition of knowledge in a global, integrated and applied manner. This will foster the simultaneous comprehension of theoretical basis of Microbiology and Genetics and will provide the necessary tools for the laboratory work in this field of knowledge.
Evaluation method
Lectures and practicals. Resolution of problems. Tutorial orientation. The exam is composed of 50 questions (multiple choice) and will last for 2 hours. The final grade will also take into consideration the student attitude during theoretical and practical classes.