Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Applications in Biotechnology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
This course aims at teaching students the main methods and techniques used in molecular biology and biochemistry in the context of biotech research, diagnosis and therapy. Practical lab exercises dealing with such techniques are part of the course.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of this course, the student will have all the theoretical and practical skills on methods in molecular biology and biochemistry to successfully work in a lab where such techniques are used.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It is suggested to have attended and passed the Chemical Biology and Molecular Biology exams.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of written open questions. The completeness and correctness of the answers will be evaluated. The rational in interpreting experiments will be also assessed.
Methods in Biochemistry
Course syllabus
- Basic Techniques of Analysis and Purification of Proteins (Omogenization, Centrifugation, Chromatography, Electrophoresis)
- Spectroscopic methods (absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence and circular dichroism), evaluation of biological activity (biological activity assays, doses of enzymatic activity).
- Structural Biology Techniques
- Techniques for protein-protein or protein-ligand interaction analysis.
- Antibodies: structure and function. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. ELISA, Western Blott and Phage display. Use of antibodies in diagnosis and therapy, humanised antibodies.
- Protein Engineering Techniques: Direct site mutagenesis, Random Mutagenesis (directed evolution, molecular breeding: PCR error error, DNA shuffling, ITCHY). Methods for screening protein variants obtained by mutagenesis.
- Enzymes: Enzyme dosages, use of enzymes to titrate metabolites.
- Protein classes of industrial interest and therapy: Blood proteins (coagulation factors, clot lysis), Proteases, lipases, amylases, thermostable enzymes, immobilized enzymes, biosensors.
- During the course several examples of research published in scientific journals are discussed.
- The course includes 16 hours of laboratory exercises on the topics concerning the course.
- Spectroscopic methods (absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence and circular dichroism), evaluation of biological activity (biological activity assays, doses of enzymatic activity).
- Structural Biology Techniques
- Techniques for protein-protein or protein-ligand interaction analysis.
- Antibodies: structure and function. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. ELISA, Western Blott and Phage display. Use of antibodies in diagnosis and therapy, humanised antibodies.
- Protein Engineering Techniques: Direct site mutagenesis, Random Mutagenesis (directed evolution, molecular breeding: PCR error error, DNA shuffling, ITCHY). Methods for screening protein variants obtained by mutagenesis.
- Enzymes: Enzyme dosages, use of enzymes to titrate metabolites.
- Protein classes of industrial interest and therapy: Blood proteins (coagulation factors, clot lysis), Proteases, lipases, amylases, thermostable enzymes, immobilized enzymes, biosensors.
- During the course several examples of research published in scientific journals are discussed.
- The course includes 16 hours of laboratory exercises on the topics concerning the course.
Teaching methods
Class teaching and laboratory exercises
Teaching Resources
A text of biochemical methods among which can be highlighted:
- K.Wilson & J.M.Walker Principles and techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cambridge University Press
- M. Stoppini & V. Bellotti Applied Biochemistry EdiSES
The most modern techniques discussed in class are not illustrated in textbooks and must be studied using notes.
- K.Wilson & J.M.Walker Principles and techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cambridge University Press
- M. Stoppini & V. Bellotti Applied Biochemistry EdiSES
The most modern techniques discussed in class are not illustrated in textbooks and must be studied using notes.
Methods in Molecular Biology
Course syllabus
744 / 5.000
- Basic techniques (DNA/RNA electrophoresis and variants, Southern/Northern blot, PCR, cloning)
- Construction of genomic and cDNA libraries, cloning vectors, application
- Genetic screening, phage display, two hybrid and variants
- DNA sequencing techniques, first and second generation NGS
- Use of model organisms
- Screening for synthetic lethality and application as a therapeutic strategy
- Genome editing and generation of mutants
- Study of gene expression
- Protein-nucleic acid interactions
- The course includes the discussion in class of examples of research published in scientific journals.
-The course includes 16 hours of single-person laboratory exercises on the topics covered during the course
- Basic techniques (DNA/RNA electrophoresis and variants, Southern/Northern blot, PCR, cloning)
- Construction of genomic and cDNA libraries, cloning vectors, application
- Genetic screening, phage display, two hybrid and variants
- DNA sequencing techniques, first and second generation NGS
- Use of model organisms
- Screening for synthetic lethality and application as a therapeutic strategy
- Genome editing and generation of mutants
- Study of gene expression
- Protein-nucleic acid interactions
- The course includes the discussion in class of examples of research published in scientific journals.
-The course includes 16 hours of single-person laboratory exercises on the topics covered during the course
Teaching methods
Class teaching and laboratory exercises
Teaching Resources
Richard J Reece
Analisi dei geni e dei genomi
EdiSES
T.A. Brown
Genomi 3
EdiSES
Analisi dei geni e dei genomi
EdiSES
T.A. Brown
Genomi 3
EdiSES
Methods in Biochemistry
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 5
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 1
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 1
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Ricagno Stefano, Visentin Cristina
Shifts:
Professor:
Ricagno Stefano
Turno 1
Professor:
Visentin CristinaTurno 2
Professor:
Visentin Cristina
Methods in Molecular Biology
BIO/10 - BIOCHEMISTRY - University credits: 1
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 5
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 5
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Manzo Stefano Giustino, Sertic Sarah