Genetics and Genetic Engineering

biotechnology

obligatory courses

In this course students become acquainted with the classic genetics and molecular genetics.

Lecture

Classical genetics: basic concepts and terminology. Methods of genetic analysis. DNA as the genetic material. Structure and replication of DNA. Genetic code. Structure and regulation of expression of prokaryotic gene. Structure, expression and regulation of eukaryotic gene. Genetic basis of differentiation. Genetics and cancer. Genetic basis of immunity. Methods of genetic engineering. Genetic basis of modern biotechnology. Genomics and proteomics. Genes and evolution.

Practicals

Gene expression in Prokaryotes: Mutations, mutagenesis. Genetic code. Prokaryotic gene structure. Operons. Regulation of gene expression in bacteria.

Genetic analysis in Eucaryotes: Mendelian genetics. Complementation, recombination and other genetic tests in Drosophila melanogaster, Aspergillus nidulans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Eukaryotic gene structure and expression.

Genetic engineering: PCR. Recombinant DNA technology. Restriction maps. Genomic and cDNA libraries. DNA sequence analysis. Yeast S. cerevisiae as a host for cloning. Gene disruption in yeast. Basic hybridization techniques. Heterologous expression. Reporter genes.

Concepts of Genetics. W. S. Klug, M. R Cummings, C. Spencer. 2006 or later

Genes VII. Benjamin Lewin. 2000 or later

Genomes 2. T. A. Brown. 2002

KNOWLEDGE

- Knows the basic concepts of genetic information, genetic material, the genetic code, genotype and phenotype

- Knows the molecular mechanisms underlying such phenomena as dominance and co-dominance, loss and gain of gene function

- Knows the mechanisms for the transmission of genetic information

- Knows mechanisms of prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression

- Knows the basics of design and implementation of genetic modifications

- Knows the basic molecular biology techniques used in genetic engineering

- Understands the importance of experimental work and is able to describe the importance of molecular analyses in genetic

- Knows the outline of the evolution of genetic information and evidence for evolution contained in the genomes of living organisms.

ABILITIES

- Analyzes the flow of genetic information in the living organisms

- Properly uses the basic concepts of genetics, especially genetic information, genetic material, genetic code, genotype and phenotype

- Examines the relationship between changes in genotype and resulting changes in phenotype

- Analyzes the genetic interactions, and can indicate their significance for systems biology

- Compares the mechanisms of prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression

- Is able to design a simple experiment leading to cloning selected DNA fragment

- Is able to choose the appropriate technique to study basic molecular processes

- Interprets the experimental results of classical, molecular and medical genetics

SOCIAL AWARENESS

- Formulates rational and modern science-based arguments in the controversial issues relating to the consequences of genetic engineering techniques for the environment and human health. - Indicates the importance of genetics and molecular biology to medicine and other areas of human activity.

- Understands the need to inform the public about the new achievements of genetics and genetic engineering, and can explain them in an understandable way

- Shows caution and criticism in the reception and interpretation of information in the field of genetics and genetic engineering available in the mass media.

Written examination composed of two parts: a multiple choice test and a series of open questions. Exams are graded based on the total points obtained from both parts, minimum is 50%+1 point.

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