Biology and Basic Genetics

A.Y. 2024/2025
7
Max ECTS
56
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/13
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The goal of the course is to provide solid basic knowledge of animal cell biology and basic genetics, necessary for the more specialized teaching in the course of study (physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, etc.). In fact, this knowledge is a fundamental tool in order to best approach interdisciplinary scientific studies. In detail, the course will provide knowledge about the diversity between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their different levels of organization. First, the cellular structure, starting with biological membranes, and the internal organization of the eukaryotic cell (organelles, internal membrane systems, cytoskeleton, junctions) will be described; then, cellular functions, metabolism and gene expression (the gene and genome, DNA replication, transcription and translation) will be illustrated. Moreover, the course will give to the students an in-depth look at the cellular processes of proliferation (mitosis), differentiation, renewal, cell death and the ability of cells to communicate, with emphasis on autocrine/paracrine, endocrine and nerve signalling. Meiosis, the general principles of fertilization and animal cell development will be described. Finally, the basic principles of Mendelian genetics, the modes of transmission of inherited traits and the main alterations found in genetic disorders will be explained.
Expected learning outcomes
The student should demonstrate knowledge of the major constituents of living organisms, the processes of synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, the major roles of these macromolecules, and the flow of gene information in the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell. The student should also know the organization and function of cell organelles and membranes and the processes of cell division. In addition, the student should be able to describe the principles underlying Mendelian genetics and the transmission of hereditary traits and major genetic alterations. Upon completion of the course, the student will also demonstrate specific biology language to communicate the acquired knowledge.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Linea AL

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Biodiversity and the origin of life. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Atoms and chemical bonds. Inorganic and organic components of the cell - Biological macromolecules - Cell metabolism, enzymes and biological reactions. Energy and Metabolism. Structure and role of the plasma membrane. Selective plasma membrane permeability and transports. The eukaryotic internal membrane system. Smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi Apparatus. Endocytosis and exocytosis. Lysosomes. Peroxisomes. Glycolysis and aerobic respiration (mitochondria). The nucleus. DNA as hereditary material. Structure of eukaryotic chromosomes and genes. DNA replication. Transcription and maturation of RNAs. Protein synthesis and sorting of proteins in cell compartments. Vesicular traffic, endocytosis and exocytosis. Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The cytoskeleton (microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments). The cellular movement. Cell-cell interaction and cell junctions. Cellular communication. Muscle and nervous cells. The cell cycle and its control. Mitosis. Apoptosis and control of cell death and survival. Meiosis. Gametogenesis and fertilization. Elements of Basic and human genetic.
Prerequisites for admission
Teaching takes place in the first year, first semester, so there are no specific prerequisites different from those required for access to the degree course.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons in classroom with the support of slides. The slides will be provided to students in the homepage of the teacher on the myAriel website (https://myariel.unimi.it/course).
Attendance in this course is strongly recommended
Teaching Resources
- Bonaldo P., Brancolini C., Ginelli E., Malcovati M., Poletti A.
Molecole, Cellule e Organismi - EdiSES- 2a Edizione 2023

- Hardin J., Becker W.M., Lodolce J.P.
Il mondo della cellula - Pearson- 10a Edizione 2022

- De Leo G., Fasano S. Ginelli E.
Biologia e Genetica - EdiSES 4a Edizione
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination with a grade in thirtieths.
The level of knowledge and understanding of all topics covered during the course, including the ability to associate the various processes and systems studied, will be assessed.
Students will be expected to demonstrate accurate and specific biological language and the ability to discuss acquired knowledge.
BIO/13 - EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 7
Lessons: 56 hours
Professor: Crippa Valeria

Linea MZ

Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Biodiversity and the origin of life. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Atoms and chemical bonds. Inorganic and organic components of the cell - Biological macromolecules - Cell metabolism, enzymes and biological reactions. Energy and Metabolism. Structure and role of the plasma membrane. Selective plasma membrane permeability and transports. The eukaryotic internal membrane system. Smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi Apparatus. Endocytosis and exocytosis. Lysosomes. Peroxisomes. Glycolysis and aerobic respiration (mitochondria). The nucleus. DNA as hereditary material. Structure of eukaryotic chromosomes and genes. DNA replication. Transcription and maturation of RNAs. Protein synthesis and sorting of proteins in cell compartments. Vesicular traffic, endocytosis and exocytosis. Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The cytoskeleton (microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments). The cellular movement. Cell-cell interaction and cell junctions. Cellular communication. Muscle and nervous cells. The cell cycle and its control. Mitosis. Apoptosis and control of cell death and survival. Meiosis. Gametogenesis and fertilization. Elements of Basic and human genetic.
Prerequisites for admission
Teaching takes place in the first year, first semester, so there are no specific prerequisites different from those required for access to the degree course.
Teaching methods
The teacher will use frontal lessons in classroom with the support of slides. The slides will be provided to students in the homepage of the teacher on the Ariel website (http://users.unimi.it/ariel).
Attendance in this course is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
- Bonaldo P., Brancolini C., Ginelli E., Malcovati M., Poletti A.
Molecole, Cellule e Organismi - EdiSES- 2a Edizione 2023
- Hardin J., Lodolce J.P.
Becker Il mondo della cellula - Pearson- 10a Edizione 2022
- De Leo G., Fasano S. Ginelli E., Biologia e Genetica - EdiSES 4a Edizione (consigliato per gli approfondimenti di genetica)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination with an evaluation expressed in thirtieths.
Preparation will be assessed in all the topics covered during the examination, including the ability to associate with each other the various processes and systems studied.
Overall, preparation will be assessed on the ability to organize knowledge, reasoning ability and the quality of exposure.
BIO/13 - EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY - University credits: 7
Lessons: 56 hours