Molecular Microbiology and Genetics of Microorganisms
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aims of the course are to illustrate:
i) how bacteria sense different environmental stimuli;
ii) how gene expression is regulated in bacteria at the level of single cells and populations;
iii) available methods and strategies in bacterial research.
i) how bacteria sense different environmental stimuli;
ii) how gene expression is regulated in bacteria at the level of single cells and populations;
iii) available methods and strategies in bacterial research.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will reach an integrated view of the mechanisms by which bacterial cells perceive environmental stimuli, transduce them as intracellular signals and implement proper regulatory and physiological responses, and they will be able to critically integrate new knowledge in this context. Moreover, students will be prepared to propose and clearly communicate strategies and experimental approaches to the resolution of biological problems.
Lesson period: First semester
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
First semester
Course syllabus
- Definition and identification of essential genes.
-Introduction to general strategies of gene expression regulation in bacteria: sigma and anti-sigma factors, repressors and activators.
-Regulation of the arabinose operon.
-Response to genotoxic agents: the SOS response and spread of antibiotic resistance. Bacterial persisters.
-Response to temperature upshift: RpoH and RpoE regulons. Molecular thermometers and virulence.
-Post-transcriptional regulation. Regulation by non-coding RNA
-Signal transduction by Two-Component Regulatory Systems (TCRS).
-Cell-to-cell communication in microbial communities. Quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Vibrio cholerae infection strategy
-Introduction to general strategies of gene expression regulation in bacteria: sigma and anti-sigma factors, repressors and activators.
-Regulation of the arabinose operon.
-Response to genotoxic agents: the SOS response and spread of antibiotic resistance. Bacterial persisters.
-Response to temperature upshift: RpoH and RpoE regulons. Molecular thermometers and virulence.
-Post-transcriptional regulation. Regulation by non-coding RNA
-Signal transduction by Two-Component Regulatory Systems (TCRS).
-Cell-to-cell communication in microbial communities. Quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Vibrio cholerae infection strategy
Prerequisites for admission
The students must have basic knowledge (Bachelor level) in Microbiology, Genetics and Molecular biology.
Teaching methods
Traditional, Powerpoint-assisted lectures, with ample time dedicated to biological problem solving and the discussion of different approaches to answer biological questions. Students are strongly encouraged to attend lessons and take part in the active discussions.
Teaching Resources
General concepts in Microbiology can be retrieved in: Brock Biology of Microorganisms (16th Edition) by M. Madigan et al. Specific review articles on the topics treated during the classes will be proposed. The pdf of the slides shown during the classes will be available on the course MyAriel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning assessments will be carried out by a written exam at the end of the course (max score 30/30) and six open-book short tests (intermediate tests) during the lectures (max score 1.5/30 each).
The final exam includes one open question (50% of the final score), and multiple choices and/or schematic questions (50% of the final score). Students have 90 minutes to complete the test. Multiple choice questions are aimed to verify the global understanding of the key concepts and definitions taught during the course, whereas the open question is designed to evaluate the ability of the student to apply the concepts and experimental approaches taught in the course to the resolution of simple biological problems.
To pass the exam, the students need to reach a score of at least 18/30 in the written exam at the end of the course. For students attending >80% lectures and doing the exam within September 2025, the final score will be the sum between the score of the final exam and the overall score obtained in max. four intermediate tests.
The final exam includes one open question (50% of the final score), and multiple choices and/or schematic questions (50% of the final score). Students have 90 minutes to complete the test. Multiple choice questions are aimed to verify the global understanding of the key concepts and definitions taught during the course, whereas the open question is designed to evaluate the ability of the student to apply the concepts and experimental approaches taught in the course to the resolution of simple biological problems.
To pass the exam, the students need to reach a score of at least 18/30 in the written exam at the end of the course. For students attending >80% lectures and doing the exam within September 2025, the final score will be the sum between the score of the final exam and the overall score obtained in max. four intermediate tests.
BIO/18 - GENETICS - University credits: 1
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 5
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 5
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Briani Federica
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
wednesday 15:30-16:30 on appointment required by e-mail
DBS, via Celoria 26, 4th floor, tower C