OVERVIEW
The main aim of the course is to provide an overview of the cell as a functional autonomous unit as well as a component of more complex structures.
AIMS AND CONTENT
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The course aims at providing students with basic knowledge of the molecular mechanisms supporting the principal cell functions (from morphology and internal organization up to gene expression regulation, generation of differentiated cell lineages and genetic traits transmission).
TEACHING METHODS
The course includes classroom teaching on topics of Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics.
SYLLABUS/CONTENT
The course is divided in six main areas:
1. Macromolecules – Topics to be developed: Basic structure and properties of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates shall be presented with focus on chemical bonds and molecular structure and interactions to provide notions to understand the basic cell biology.
2. Citology – Topics to be developed: Cell morphology and structure of procariotes and eucariotes. Biological membranes (models, chemical composition and functions), cell organelles (Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, lisosomes, peroxisomes, mitochondria, nucleus), cytoskeleton (composition and functions of the different systems).
3. Cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions - Topics to be developed: Cell junctions (different systems, meaning and functions), extracellular matrix (different forms, meaning and functions), cell communications (different systems, meaning and signaling mechanisms).
4. Gene expression - Topics to be developed: Nucleic acids structure and functions, DNA duplication, transcription, translation, gene expression regulation.
5. Cell proliferation - Topics to be developed: Cell cycle and control mechanisms, mitosis, meiosis, gametogenesis, mechanisms and meaning of cell death (apoptosis and necrosis), mechanisms of cell differentiation and cell transformation.
6. Basic genetics - Topics to be developed: Mendel’s Laws of Heredity, probability of inheritance, alleles and genes, dominant and recessive alleles, homozygous and heterozygous definitions. Sex Chromosomes and Sex-Linked Inheritance. Karyotype aneuploidy.
RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY
-Alberts et al.; "L'essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula"; Zanichelli Editori.
-Becker et al.; "Il mondo della cellula"; Pearsons Eds.
-Solomon et al.; "Biologia"; Edises
-Karp et al.; "Biologia cellulare e molecolare"; Edises
-Pollard et a.; "Biologia Cellulare"; Elsevier-Masson Eds.
TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD
Office hours: By appointment by email: rodolfo.quarto@unige.it
Exam Board
KATIA CORTESE (President)
RODOLFO QUARTO (President)
DANIELE SAVERINO
LESSONS
TEACHING METHODS
The course includes classroom teaching on topics of Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics.
Class schedule
All class schedules are posted on the EasyAcademy portal.
EXAMS
EXAM DESCRIPTION
Final test is based on 15 written questions (multiple choice) and an oral test. Passing of the written test (with at least a score of 9/15) allows the student to be admitted to the oral test.
Should COVID19 restrictions be continued, final tests shall be held orally in remote mode.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
During the examination teachers will verify the competence and the ability to make connections of the students.
Exam schedule
| Date | Time | Location | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/04/2021 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Orale | Gli esami si terranno nella sede dell'Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale in via de Toni 14. In caso di non superamento della prova d'esame, lo stesso non si potra' sostenere prima di 30 giorni. |
| 24/06/2021 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Orale | Gli esami si terranno nella sede dell'Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale in via de Toni 14. In caso di non superamento della prova d'esame, lo stesso non si potra' sostenere prima di 30 giorni. |
| 13/07/2021 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Orale | Gli esami si terranno nella sede dell'Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale in via de Toni 14. In caso di non superamento della prova d'esame, lo stesso non si potra' sostenere prima di 30 giorni. |
| 27/07/2021 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Orale | Gli esami si terranno nella sede dell'Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale in via de Toni 14. In caso di non superamento della prova d'esame, lo stesso non si potra' sostenere prima di 30 giorni. |
| 10/09/2021 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Orale | Gli esami si terranno nella sede dell'Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale in via de Toni 14. In caso di non superamento della prova d'esame, lo stesso non si potra' sostenere prima di 30 giorni. |
| 26/01/2022 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Scritto + Orale | Gli esami si terranno nella sede dell'Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale in via de Toni 14. In caso di non superamento della prova d'esame, lo stesso non si potra' sostenere prima di 30 giorni. |
| 18/02/2022 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Scritto + Orale | Gli esami si terranno nella sede dell'Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale in via de Toni 14. In caso di non superamento della prova d'esame, lo stesso non si potra' sostenere prima di 30 giorni. |