Master's Degree in Environmental Biology
Academic Year 2020/2021 - 2° Year
TECNOLOGIE PER L'AMBIENTE
Teaching Staff
ANNA MARIA PAPPALARDO - Module Laboratory of Molecular Phylogenetics - BIO/06 - 3 CFUOffice: Via Androne 81 -95124 Catania
Phone: 0957306030
Office Hours: Ven 11:00-12:00
Learning Objectives
- Laboratory of Molecular Phylogenetics
The course aims to make the student acquire basic and advanced knowledge on the main laboratory techniques for the study of molecular phylogenetics at different taxonomic levels or of the evolutionary relationships between organisms through the analysis of molecular data and their representation through phylogenetic trees. More specifically, the student will be able to use the main basic techniques such as genomic DNA extraction, PCR amplification, agarose gel electrophoresis, sequencing along with basic notions on the use of bioinformatics software for data analysis.
- Applied Micology
The objective of the module of Applied Mycology is to provide the information necessary to understand the role of superior mushrooms in the protection of the environment and conservation of biodiversity, providing knowledge on the anatomy, morphology, ecology, biology of fungi, on the main edible species and poisonous of Sicily, the syndromes and intoxication, as well as on the Sicilian regional legislation.
Course Structure
- Laboratory of Molecular Phylogenetics
Lectures and laboratories.
Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.
Verification of learning: learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it. - Applied Micology
Lectures and practical exercises in the laboratory. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.
Detailed Course Content
- Laboratory of Molecular Phylogenetics
Introduction to phylogeny. Molecular phylogenetics: orthologous and paralogous genes. Multiple alignments of sequences. Molecular evolution models. Analysis of molecular markers useful for phylogenetic purposes at different taxonomic levels Phylogenetic reconstruction methods: Neighbor-Joining, Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood. Methods for evaluating phylogenetic accuracy. Main software for phylogenetic analysis. General information on techniques in preparation for laboratory activities: isolation of genomic DNA, PCR amplification, agarose gel electrophoresis, sequencing. Data analysis using bioinformatics tools: analysis and editing of chromatograms of DNA sequences; Genbank database, search for similarity of sequences using Blast; multiple alignment of DNA sequences (ClustalW; MAFFT); case studies of phylogenetic inference.
- Applied Micology
Biology of fungi: the spore and the mycelium. Mutualistic symbiosis, saprotrophism and parasitism. Plant essences and trees of mycological interest, mycorrhizae and phytopathogenic fungi. Anatomy, structure and morphology of the superior epigeal fungi. Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes: main families and genera. Use of analytical keys for the recognition of the main families of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes. Mycotoxicology: potentially deadly poisonous fungi, short and long latency. Long and short incubation syndromes. Non-edible and not recommended species. Mycotoxicosis. Recognition and comparison of the main edible and poisonous species. The cultivation of mushrooms and the main cultivated species. Food safety: use of mushrooms as food supplements, mycotherapy. Role and functions of the Mycologist inspector. The Regional Legislation. The mushrooms of the Sicilian territory and the mushrooms of Etna. How to prepare a mycological herbarium and set up a mycological exhibition.
Textbook Information
- Laboratory of Molecular Phylogenetics
1. Stingo et al., Anatomia Comparata. Edi. Ermes
2. Pascarella, Paiardini, Bioinformatica. Zanichelli
3. Graur. Molecular and Genome Evolution. Sinauer Associates, Oxford University Press.
4. Other material (pdf files) provided by the teacher
- Applied Micology
Oppicelli N. – Funghi in Italia, guida pratica alla ricerca ed al riconoscimento. Erredi Grafiche Editoriali (2020).
AMB (a cura di) – Atlante fotografico Funghi d’Italia vol. 1-2-3. Centro Studi Micologico AMB (2002).
Open in PDF format Versione in italiano