Molecular Biology 1
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ANGELA ANNA MESSINAExpected Learning Outcomes
1. Students will be provided with detailed information on the structure of nucleic acids, the flow of genetic information and gene regulation. These topics will be addressed and explored in depth with the aim of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the replication, transcription and translation of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes, as well as the mechanisms regulating gene expression. Technical insights will also be provided into some of the most commonly used methodologies in the analysis of nucleic acids, proteins and gene expression. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the structure and organization of genomic DNA and the various types of cellular RNA; they will also understand the molecular mechanisms regulating transcription in eukaryotes, chromatin modifications and their impact on gene expression, the mechanisms of DNA repair and recombination, the biology of mobile genetic elements, and the main experimental methods for analyzing nucleic acids and proteins.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding (Applying Knowledge and Understanding)
Students will be able to interpret data derived from classical and modern molecular biology experiments. They will also be able to understand the principles underlying the application of fundamental molecular biology techniques (PCR, electrophoresis, molecular cloning, DNA sequencing). They will develop the ability to link molecular alterations to their corresponding phenotypic or pathological effects.
3. Independent judgement (Making Judgements)
Students will be able to critically analyse simple scientific articles in their field, as well as draw their own conclusions from experimental results or data extracted from biological databases.
4. Communication Skills
Students will be able to present the concepts and mechanisms covered in the course clearly and with scientific rigour, both orally and in writing, using appropriate and precise scientific language. Students will also be able to describe complex molecular concepts clearly to both specialists and non-specialists.
5. Learning Skills
Students will have developed the skills required to: independently update their knowledge in the field of molecular biology, developing the ability to consult scientific literature and search reference databases on their own. Students will also have acquired the necessary knowledge to progress to master’s degree programmes (e.g. molecular biology, genetics or biotechnology) or other higher education courses.
Course Structure
Lectures supported by classroom exercises.
If the teaching is delivered in a blended mode or at a distance, the necessary variations may be introduced in order to comply with the planned programme.
Required Prerequisites
It is essential that the student has passed the Biochemistry exam for the degree programme. It is also recommended that they pass the Genetics exam.
Attendance of Lessons
In general, attendance at the course is mandatory to the extent specified in the degree programme regulations. To be eligible to sit the continuous assessment tests scheduled during the course, a minimum attendance rate of 80 per cent is required.
Detailed Course Content
Textbook Information
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Structure, conformations and topology of nucleic acids | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 2 | Ribozym | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 3 | Organisation of DNA in prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 4 | Molecular aspects of chromosome replication and segregation | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 5 | Bacterial and eukaryotic DNA polymerases | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 6 | Mutations and molecular mechanisms of DNA repair | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 7 | The molecular machinery of homologous recombination and adaptations to specialized situations | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 8 | Transposons, retrotransposons, with examples of mechanisms regulating transposition | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 9 | Transcription in bacteria and eukaryotes, and RNA | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 10 | RNA maturation | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 11 | Standard and alternative splicing machinery | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 12 | RNA editing | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 13 | Genetic code | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 14 | Molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 15 | Mechanisms regulating gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 16 | DNA-binding domains | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 17 | Transcription factors | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 18 | Regulation of chromatin structure | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 19 | Gene silencing and regulatory RNAs | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
| 20 | Key techniques in molecular biology: electrophoresis of biological macromolecules, hybridisation, gene cloning, PCR, sequencing | Watson James D. et al., Biologia molecolare del gene, 7 ed, ZanichelliBenjamin Lewin, J. et al, Il gene X, ed. ZanichelliAmaldi F. et al., Biologia molecolare, 2° ediz. Ambrosiana |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
There are two in-progress tests (60 multiple-choice questions with one correct answer marked +2, wrong or no answer marked 0 (zero). The test is passed with a minimum mark of 72. With a minimum mark of 60, the test is considered "passed with reserve", i.e. it is necessary to make up the insufficiency in the following test.
The learning test may also be conducted electronically, should conditions require it.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
- DNA replication in eukaryotes and prokaryotes and replication bubble
- Start sites of duplication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes and their regulation
- Characteristics of DNA polymerases in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- Telomerase
- Characteristics of various cellular RNAs and their abundance
- Maturation of different types of transcripts in eukaryotes and prokaryotes
- Eukaryotic and prokaryotic RNA polymerases
- Transcription process in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- Characteristics of genes for rRNA, tRNA and mRNA in eukaryotes and prokaryotes - Enhancers and Silencers of transcription; insulators
- Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes
- Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes
- DNA methylation
- Splicing mechanisms
- Editing
- Transcription factors
- Molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- Elongation and termination of protein synthesis
- Viruses: phage lambda and retrovirus
- PCR
- DNA cloning techniques
- DNA sequencing