BIC-20306 Cell Physiology and Genetics

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

CBI-10306 Cell Biology; MIB-10306 Microbiology & Biochemistry.

Contents:

Cell Physiology and Genetics gives an integrating view of genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Background knowledge in each field is presented in the context of selected cases. Each case is approached from a genetic, molecular biological and a biochemical perspective, and is further deepened by discussing relevant research papers Through the cases, knowledge is gained on the storage and inheritance of genetic information, the gene concept, regulation of gene activity, RNA processing and transport, protein synthesis, protein structure-function relationship and the regulation of protein activity. Selected cases (that can be due to change) are: 'Sickle Cell Disease', 'Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy', ' Chromatin structure and function', 'Auxin Signal Transduction' and 'p53 and Cancer'.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain the basic principles of inheritance of genetic information, and of mechanisms creating genetic diversity (gene and chromosome mutation, recombination processes);
- explain how chromosomes and chromatin are organized and how genetic information is mapped;
- infer the complex relation between genotype and phenotype;
- describe the principles of expression of genetic information by transcription and translation and of the regulatory mechanisms occurring in these processes;
- describe the folding, distribution, modification and degradation of proteins, and how their function relates to their structure;
- infer the importance of these regulatory mechanisms for a variety of fundamental processes in living organisms, like creation of diversity, development, cell differentiation, metabolism, disease;
- explain how to use experimental approaches such as yeast two-hybrid, Fluorescent in situ Hybridization, micro arrays, reporter genes, affinity purification, mass spectrometry, pedigree analysis, Chromatin immuno-precipitation.

Activities:

Attending lectures and participation in computer practicals during which research papers are read and discussed.

Examination:

The written exam contains both short assay questions and multiple choice questions.

Literature:

A course manual can be found on the Blackboard site for this course. Most of the subject material for this course can be found in the following two books:
B. Alberts; A. Johnson; J. Lewis; [et.al]. (2015). Molecular biology of the cell. 6th ed.
Berg, J.M.; Tymoczko, J.L.; Stryer, L.; [et.al]. (2015). Biochemistry. 8th ed. New York [etc.], US: Freeman. 1120p. ISBN 1-4641-2610-0.
For both books, previous editions can be used (up to 2 editions earlier than the latest one). Conversion tables for page numbers are provided in the course guide.
The genetic part will be documented in separate module texts with references to Alberts textbook, internet sites (Wikipedia) and special texts.
Selected chapters and pages of these two books and the Powerpoint presentations used in the lectures, as well as the research papers discussed in the computer practicals, form the basis for questions in the exam.