Biotechnology 1 and Biotechnology 2

A.Y. 2024/2025
8
Max ECTS
64
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/14
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course is aimed at providing the basic knowledge in molecular biology and to introduce the main methodologies to study DNA, RNA, and proteins. The recombinant DNA technology and its various applications in the field of biotechnology will be illustrated, ranging from drug to biofuel manufacturing, diagnostics, improvement of agricultural crops, environmental bioremediation.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students will be able to describe with proper terminology the molecular mechanisms used by cells to synthesize biomolecules; to identify the techniques to be used in a selected biotechnological application; to highlight the contribution of biotechnologies to production processes and in the management of environmental issues.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
MODULE: BIOTECHNOLOGY 1

- INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY
Brief history of biotechnology; principles of molecular biology; potential fields of application of biotechnology.

- DNA AND GENETIC INFORMATION
DNA structure and function; mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.


- GENES AND GENE EXPRESSION
Organization of genes; RNA structure and function; RNA transcription; translation and protein synthesis.

REGULATION OF GENE EXPRESSION

Levels of regulation in prokaryotes and eukariotes; function of genetic elements; gene and epigenetic regulation.

- PROTEIN PROCESSING
Protein structure and folding; protein fate; post-translational modifications.

- HORIZONTAL GENE TRANSFER
Transformation, conjugation and transduction; plasmids and constructive elements; bacteria and bacteriophages.

- NUCLEIC ACID EXTRACTION AND AMPLIFICATION
Sampling; DNA and RNA extraction and storage; polymerase chain reaction; principles of gel electrophoresis for nucleic acids; measurement and detection.

- RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY
Molecular tools for DNA cloning; design and use of plasmid vectors; culture, transformation and selection of bacteria; principles of gene sequencing.

- GENOMES


Cloning vectors; generation and selection of DNA libraries; genome sequencing; microarray technologies; bioinformatics and sequence analysis.


- EXPRESSION OF RECUMBINANT PROTEINS
Expression vectors; cellular systems for protein expression; site directed mutagenesis; fusion proteins and peptides; reporter constructs; purification of recombinant proteins; detection methods; transfection in mammalian cells; gain and loss of function experiments.

MODULE 2: BIOTECHNOLOGY 2

- PRODUCTION OF BIOTECHNOLOGICAL DRUGS
Therapeutic proteins; industrial production of biotechnological products; monoclonal antibodies.

- TRANSGENIC ANIMALS
Generation of transgenic animals; genotyping and selection; transgenic animals as biofermenters for biotechnological drugs; conditional and inducible knock-out mice.

- VIRAL VECTORS AND GENE THERAPY
Features and mechanisms of infection of natural viruses; use and safety of viral vectors; gene therapy.

- BIOTECHNOLOGY AND COVID-19
Feature of the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus; detection in biofluids and environmental samples; vaccines.

- PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGIES
Artificial selection; hybridization and induced mutagenesis; plant cultures in vitro; generation of genetically modified plants; biofortification and production of functional foods; agri-food products; detection of plant GMO in environment and food.

- MICROORGANISMS AND ENVIRONMENT
Microorganisms and mechanisms of biodegradation; degrading plasmids and genes in bioremediation; biosensors and environmental monitoring; metagenomics and microbic communities; identification of useful enzymes in industry; diffusion chambers.

- BIOTECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE BIOENERGIES
Development of renewable energy sources from biomasses; biofuels; potential of microalgae.
Prerequisites for admission
Prerequisites for previous exams:
Pharmacology 1 and Pharmacology 2
Biochemistry
Teaching methods
Frontal classes with slides and video supports. Scientific papers about biotechnological applications of interest will be also discussed. During the course, multiple-choice tests will be administered to evaluate the gradual learning of the basic concepts.
Teaching Resources
Slides presented during the classes, digital supplemental material, scientific papers (available on the MyARIEL website).

Textbook (recommended):
- "Gene cloning and DNA analysis: an introduction" - Terry A. Brown (English version)

Optional textbooks:
- "Molecular biology of the cell" 6th edition - Bruce Alberts et al. - Garland Science
- "Biotecnologie sostenibili" - Galbiati et al. - Ed. Edagricole
- "Microbiologia agroambientale" - Biavati, Sorlini - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (in Italian)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Single oral exam for both modules. During the 20-minute exam, the student will be invited to briefly present a scientific paper about biotechnology, suggested by the teacher or selected by the student and approved by the teacher in advance. The student will be asked to describe some fundamental mechanisms in molecular biology and techniques learned during the course. Use of scientific language, fluency, reasoning skills and connection between the physiology of organisms and the potential of biotechnological intervention will be evaluated.
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 8
Lessons: 64 hours
Professor: Lecca Davide
Professor(s)
Reception:
Request an appointment by email
Office in Via Balzaretti 9 (3rd floor)