BIOLOGIA

13 CFU - 1° and 2° Semester

Teaching Staff

FRANCESCO TIRALONGO - Module ZOOLOGIA GENERALE - BIO/05 - 7 CFU
CONCETTA FEDERICO - Module Principles of genetics - BIO/18 - 6 CFU
GIANCARLO RAPPAZZO - Module Principles of genetics

Learning Objectives

Principles of genetics
Main intent of the module of Principles of Genetics is to provide knowledge on the fundamentals of classical genetics, as well as of molecular and population genetics. The proposed training will complement the knowledge given by the other module of the C.I. of Biology and by the other biological courses provided by Bachelor’s Degree in Natural and Environmental Science.

Through the module of Genetics, students in Environmental and Natural Sciences, will acquire knowledge on the analysis of the mechanisms of Mendelian inheritance. They will learn the general principles of population genetics and the methods to analyse alleles’ distribution in natural populations, both in plants and animals ones. Besides, they will acquire basic knowledge concerning DNA structure and organization. Addictionally, they will understand general principles of gene expression. Moreover, they will learn about different types of mutations and their relative phenotypic effects, as well as about ways in which spontaneous mutations arise and their role in the evolution process. Finally, students will acquire the ability of effectively communicating biological themes in a proper scientific language.

Course Structure

Principles of genetics
Teaching is done including interactive classroom lessons, during which powerpoint presentations and scientific videos will be introduced. At the end of each lesson, its effectiveness will be verified through the platform SOCRATIVE and students will be asked to answer 4 or 5 questions, anonymously with their smartphone. Futhermore, Genetics’ exercises classes will take place as well as 2 in itinere examinations. After revision, the in itinere tests will be discussed with the students. 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

Principles of genetics
Classical Genetics: Mendelian principles of inheritanc; genotype and phenotype. Relations between alleles: complete and incomplete dominance, co-dominance and recessivity. Multiple alleles. The Epistasis. The Chromosomal basis of Heredity. Mitosis: chromosome arrangement at different stages of cell cycle. Meiosis: random assortment of chromosomes, crossing-over and gametes formation. Haploidy and diploidy. The Chromosomal theory of heredity: the Morgan experiments. Gene linkage and genetic mapping . The frequency of recombination and the degree of linkage. Probability and statistics to analyze the transmission of Mendelian traits. Expected and observed number in genetic experiments: The chi-square test. The pedigree analysis in the study of inherited traits.

Population Genetics: allele and genotype frequencies. Mendelian populations and Hardy-Weinberg principle for loci with two alleles. Genetic variability and mutations, mechanisms of variation in the genetic structure of populations (outline).

Identification of DNA as molecule of Heredity: Griffith, Avery-McLeod-MacCarty, Hershey and Chase experiments. The structure of DNA and RNA molecules. Complementarity between the base pairs in DNA molecules. The semiconservative DNA replication, general features of DNA replication. Characteristics of the virus, prokaryotes and eukaryotes genomes. Organization of Eukaryotic chromosomes. The human karyotype: main methods to preparation and analysis. The expression of DNA. Organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes. The gene expression. The untranslated genes: the ribosomal and transfer RNAs. The property of the genetic code and the biosynthesis of protein. Analysis of DNA polymorphisms.

Mutations in somatic and germ cells. Molecular basis of mutations: spontaneous mutations and mistakes in DNA replication. Mutagenic environmental factors: physical, chemical and biological agents. Genetic mutations: definition and phenotypic effects. Mutations in the number and in the structure of the chromosome.

Textbook Information

Principles of genetics
Russel. GENETICA: UN APPROCCIO MOLECOLARE. Pearson Italia, Milano.

Griffiths e altri. GENETICA: PRINCIPI DI ANALISI FORMALE. Zanichelli, Bologna.

Hartl & Jones. GENETICA IN UNA PROSPETTIVA GENOMICA. Idelson-Gnocchi Editore. Napoli.

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