MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 6
Module Molecular biology

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: LOREDANA LEGGIO

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course of Molecular Biology aims to provide the basis for the understanding of the physical, chemical and biological contexts in which molecules, reactions and metabolic pathways are framed; to highlight the relationships between structure and function of the main classes of macromolecules and the metabolic regulation at the molecular and cellular level. To stimulate the interest of the student, the various topics will be explained underlining the logical and consequential interconnections, highlighting the clinical aspects, introducing the experimental methods. At the end of the course the student will understand the structure-function relationships of the main biological molecules, the biochemical mechanisms essential for a correct metabolic function and the consequences of their alterations.

Course Structure

Academic lectures. 

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 program planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.


Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD: To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences.

Required Prerequisites

Knowledge of cellular logic and organization, and basic concepts of chemistry and biochemistry.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance of the course is compulsory to the extent foreseen by the study course regulations.

Detailed Course Content

1 The structure of proteins, DNA and RNA

2 The organization of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome

3 Transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

4 The regulation of transcription in prokaryotes

5 The maturation of RNA

6 Protein synthesis and the genetic code

7 The processing of proteins

8 DNA replication

9 The main molecular biology techniques

Textbook Information

Zlatanova & van Holde, Molecular Biology: Structure and Dynamics of Genomes and Proteomes

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1The structure of proteins, DNA and RNAZlatanova & van Holde
2The organization of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomeZlatanova & van Holde
3Transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotesZlatanova & van Holde
4The regulation of transcription in prokaryotesZlatanova & van Holde
5The maturation of RNAZlatanova & van Holde
6Protein synthesis and the genetic codeZlatanova & van Holde
7The processing of proteinsZlatanova & van Holde
8DNA replicationZlatanova & van Holde
9The main molecular biology techniquesZlatanova & van Holde

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Oral examination. Written test.

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 program planned and outlined in the syllabus. Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD:
To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

See the Zanichelli My Test website for examples of tests that will be given.
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