MICROBIOLOGIA 3

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of microbial biology, including the structural, functional, and physiological characteristics of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and the major differences among these groups of microorganisms. They will understand the different modes of microbial nutrition, the influence of environmental and chemical factors on microbial growth, and the metabolic pathways underlying microbial physiology.

Students will gain knowledge of the molecular basis of microbial genetics, including DNA replication, gene expression, mutation, and genetic recombination. They will also understand the regulatory mechanisms controlling bacterial metabolism and the strategies adopted by bacteria to respond and adapt to environmental changes.

The course will provide theoretical and practical knowledge of the principles and techniques used for the cultivation, isolation, phenotypic and genotypic characterization, and identification of microorganisms. Students will become familiar with laboratory methods for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including disk diffusion (Kirby Bauer) and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays, as well as the mechanisms of action of antimicrobial agents and the molecular basis of antimicrobial resistance. The course will also introduce the major biotechnological applications of microorganisms, emphasizing their role in industrial, environmental, and biomedical processes, and providing a solid foundation for understanding their importance in modern biotechnology.

 The course is delivered through traditional classroom lectures supported by slides and multimedia materials. In particular, the course comprises 56 hours of direct lecture teaching (DE) using slide presentations, and 12 hours of interactive learning (DI) dedicated to practical exercises. Should the course be provided in blended or fully online learning mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the teaching activities described above in order to ensure the effective delivery of the planned programme as outlined in this syllabus.

In order to achieve a thorough understanding of the course content, students are expected to possess adequate foundational knowledge in the following areas:

·         General and Inorganic Chemistry: solutions, pH, chemical bonding, and redox reactions.

·         Organic Chemistry: structure and properties of the major biological macromolecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

·         General Biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation, and protein synthesis.

History of microbiology. Contributions of microbiology to human health.

First microscopical observations; spontaneous generation theory; concept of transmissible disease, contagion, and infection: concept of immunity against transmissible disease. Microbial genetic and molecular biology development. Precellular evolution and origin of life. Role of microrganism in human evolution. Virus discovery, first vaccines.

Bacterial cell: cell wall in gram-positive and gram-negative: peptidoglycan structure; teichoic acid, proteins and others components. Outer membrane in gram-negative bacteria: function and organization; lipopolisaccarid structure. Cytoplasmic membrane: structure and function. Fimbria and pili as adhesion structures and their antigenicity. Flagella and bacterial movement. Bacterial chromosome organization. Bacterial spore as differentiation condition in bacteria: structure, resistance to physical and chimical agents, regulation of sporulation and germination, biological and medical significance. Bacterial growth: biological significance of growth steps in liquid media; relationship between bacterial growth in vitro and pathogenesis of infections; solid and liquid culture media; isolation in pure culture.

Sterilization and disinfection. Anti- infective drugs. Sterilization and disinfection: biological basis of physical agents action (dry and moist heat, filtration, ultraviolet and ionizing radiations), chemical agents (disinfectants and sterilizing substances).

Genetic regulation. Positive and negative controls. Feedback. Lac operon. Tryptophan regulation. Diauxic curve.

Genetics of bacteria. Mutations. Mechanisms of bacterial transfer: Conjugation, transformation and transduction.

Virus structure and classification. Bacteriofages.

Host-parasite interaction (infection, differences between infection and disease, immune response against infective agents).

1) Gianni Dehò e Enrica Galli. Biologia dei microrganismi. Casa editrice Ambrosiana.

2) Brock. Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale.  Pearson Editore.

The assessment of learning will consist of a final oral examination covering the entire syllabus of the course. 

Assessment Criteria

For the purpose of assigning the final grade, expressed on a 30-point scale, the following aspects will be evaluated: the level of knowledge of the topics covered, the ability to analyse and establish connections among the different course contents, and the appropriate use of scientific terminology.

The student will be considered not suitable (<18/30) if they demonstrate significant gaps in the fundamental knowledge related to microbial structure, physiology, and genetics, limited ability to understand and integrate the course contents, and inappropriate use of scientific terminology.

A basic knowledge of the main course contents, together with limited analytical and synthesis skills and a simple but generally correct presentation, will allow the student to pass the examination with a grade between 18 and 20/30.

A thorough knowledge of the topics, good analytical and synthesis skills, the ability to establish connections among the different course contents, and the correct and appropriate use of scientific language will result in progressively higher grades (21–29/30).

An excellent and in-depth knowledge of all course contents, combined with outstanding ability in critical analysis, argumentation, and application of concepts to specific contexts, will result in the maximum grade of 30/30 with honours.

The assessment of learning may also be conducted remotely, should circumstances require it. In order to ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students who require support may request an individual meeting to arrange appropriate compensatory and/or exemption measures, in accordance with the educational objectives and their specific needs.

Students may also contact the CInAP departmental coordinator (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) of the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences:
https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti

Describe the main laboratory assays used to determine antibiotic sensitivity.

 Describe the main mechanisms of gene regulation.

What is meant by pure culture.

How a vital count is prepared.