Molecular biology of micro-organisms (2008/2009)

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to give the students, already proficient in the fundamentals acquired during the General Molecular Biology and General and Applied Microbiology course, deeper elements concerning the central topics of Molecular biology, with emphasis on microorganisms.

-> RNAs and transcription
Different types of RNA: synthesis and maturation. Bacterial RNA polymerase. Sigma factors. Eukaryotic RNA polymerases. Eukaryotic mRNAs: capping, polyadenylation, cytoplasmic localization. The transcription process in bacteria and in eukaryotic cells.
-> Regulation of gene expression 2
Bacterial promoters. The operon. Activators, repressors and coactivators. Signal transductions and two component regulation systems.
-> Translation
Ribosomes. tRNA structure and function. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis. Initiation in bacteria and eukaryotic cells. Polypeptide chain synthesis and translation end. Regulation of translation. Protein localization.
-> Viruses: fundamental elements
Virus general properties. Structure of viral particles. Virus growing. Test and count methods for viruses. General features of viral reproduction. Baterial viruses or bacteriophages: a) RNA phages ; b) single stranded DNA phages; c) double stranded DNA phages; d) tempered bacteriophages and lysogeny (Lambda phage); e) transposable phages (Mu bacteriophage).
-> Transposable elements 2
Retroviruses and retrotransposones.
-> Microbial genetics
Transformation. Transduction. Plasmids. Conjugation.

Oral examination