BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE E BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE AVANZATA 5

Module Molecular biology

Knowledge and understanding

The Molecular Biology module aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge regarding the structure, organization and function of the main biological macromolecules, with particular emphasis on proteins and nucleic acids. Students will acquire the ability to describe the relationships between the structure and function of biological macromolecules, understand the molecular mechanisms underlying DNA replication, transcription and translation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, and interpret the role of gene expression regulation, RNA processing and post-translational protein modifications. Students will also develop the ability to critically discuss gene and genome organization, interpret experimental data obtained through the analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins, and apply theoretical knowledge to understand the main Molecular Biology methodologies, including cloning, amplification, sequencing and biomolecular interaction analysis techniques. At the end of the module, students will be able to correctly use the specific scientific terminology of Molecular Biology, integrate theoretical and experimental aspects of the discipline, and develop autonomy in the analysis and communication of scientific contents. With reference to the Dublin Descriptors, this course contributes to the acquisition of the following competences:

D1 – Knowledge and understanding: Students will acquire knowledge of the fundamental principles of Molecular Biology, including the structure and function of biological macromolecules and the molecular mechanisms involved in DNA replication, transcription and translation. They will understand the processes regulating gene expression and will be able to critically interpret experimental results obtained through the main techniques used for the analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins, recognizing their applications, advantages and experimental limitations.

D2 – Applying knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course, students will be able to apply theoretical knowledge to the interpretation of cellular molecular processes and experimental data. They will be able to understand and use basic concepts and methodologies of Molecular and Cellular Biology in biotechnological and biomedical contexts.

D3 – Making judgements: At the end of the course, students will develop critical skills in the analysis of genome organization and gene expression regulation mechanisms. They will be able to select the most appropriate investigation techniques according to the experimental question and interpret experimental results by formulating scientifically supported evaluations.

D4 – Communication skills: Students will acquire the ability to correctly use the scientific language of Molecular Biology. They will be able to clearly and rigorously communicate theoretical concepts, methodologies and experimental data.

D5 – Learning skills: Students will develop autonomous learning skills and the ability to deepen knowledge in the field of Molecular Biology. They will be able to integrate theoretical and experimental knowledge and update their understanding through consultation of scientific literature.

The course will mainly consist of frontal lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations, which will progressively be made available to students through the Studium platform to facilitate individual study. Theoretical teaching activities may be complemented by classroom exercises aimed at applying acquired concepts and promoting active discussion and participation. The different teaching methods are designed to achieve the expected learning outcomes, supporting both the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and the development of practical and analytical skills.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

For an effective attendance of the module, students should possess basic knowledge of cell organization, structure and function of the main biological molecules, as well as fundamentals of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry.

These competencies provide the necessary background for understanding the molecular mechanisms addressed during the course.

Formal prerequisites: Microbiology, General and Applied Biology, General and Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Genetics.

Attendance is mandatory according to the regulations of the Bachelor’s Degree Course in Biotechnology.

Active participation in lectures and interactive activities is strongly recommended, as it promotes a better understanding of the of the topics discussed during the course and supports the development of critical thinking and the application of acquired knowledge.

The Molecular Biology module addresses the fundamental principles governing the structure, function and dynamics of biological macromolecules, with particular reference to the molecular mechanisms involved in the storage, transmission and expression of genetic information.

The course includes the following topics:

1. Biological macromolecules: structural and functional principles

Structure and properties of the main biological macromolecules. Structure-function relationships of proteins, nucleic acids and macromolecular complexes. Hierarchical organization of biological structures and role of molecular interactions.

2. Proteins: structure and function

Protein structural organization. Levels of protein organization (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures). Relationship between protein conformation and function. Proteins involved in fundamental molecular biology processes.

3. Nucleic acids: structure and organization

Properties of nucleotides. Chemical structure of DNA and RNA. Structural and functional differences between DNA and RNA. Organization of the DNA double helix.

4. Genome organization

Physical structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. Organization of genetic material. Gene density and complexity of living organisms. Chromatin and levels of DNA packaging in eukaryotes. DNA topology.

5. Transmission of genetic information: the central dogma of molecular biology

Concept of genetic information flow. DNA–RNA–protein relationship. Main exceptions and modifications of the central dogma.

6. DNA replication

Molecular mechanisms of DNA replication. Enzymes involved in replication. Semi-conservative replication, origins of replication, leading and lagging strand synthesis. Comparison between bacterial and eukaryotic replication mechanisms. The replication of chromosome ends: telomeres and telomerase.

7. Transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Molecular mechanisms of transcription. RNA polymerases and associated factors. Organization of transcription units. Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription. RNA polymerase I, II and III, and transcription factors in eukaryotes.

8. Regulation of gene expression

Transcription regulation in prokaryotes. Operon organization and models of the lac, trp, and ara operons. Basic concepts of gene expression regulation in eukaryotes. Role of regulatory elements and transcription factors.

9. RNA processing

RNA maturation processes. Processing of tRNA, rRNA and mRNA. Post-transcriptional modifications of mRNA. Splicing and alternative splicing. RNA editing.

10. Protein synthesis and regulation of translation

Structure and function of ribosomes. Genetic code. Translation mechanisms: initiation, elongation and termination.

11. Post-translational modifications of proteins

Processes involved in protein maturation and modification after translation. Biological relevance of post-translational modifications in regulating protein function.

12. Molecular biology techniques

Principles and applications of the main molecular methodologies:

• nucleic acid manipulation
• recombinant DNA technology and molecular cloning
• Southern blot and Northern blot
• PCR, RT-PCR and qPCR
• DNA sequencing
• analysis of protein–nucleic acid interactions
• Western blot
• chromatography
• immunoprecipitation

transgenic organisms

Reference textbook

1. Zlatanova J., van Holde K. Biologia Molecolare: Struttura e dinamica dei Genomi e Proteomi. Zanichelli, 2018.

Additional material

Teaching material provided by the lecturer (lecture presentations, scientific articles and additional study material).

Learning Assessment Procedures

Multiple-choice questions

During DNA replication, which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing the primer?

a) DNA ligase; b) Helicase; c) Primase; d) DNA polymerase III; e) Topoisomerase

Correct answer: c)

Open-ended question

Describe the molecular mechanism of DNA replication in eukaryotic organisms, indicating the role of the main proteins involved.