GENERAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICAL GENETICS
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Fundamentals of biology
Written multiple-choice exam by e-learning platform
The course aims to provide the foundations of general biology and medical genetics, essential for understanding the subsequent teachings throughout the degree program and for the future healthcare profession that the student will pursue.
The module of GENERAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICAL GENETICS consists of 12 lessons for a total of 24 hours. It will develop the foundational knowledge of general biology, starting from the molecules of life and progressing to describe prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, and viruses. The cell cycle will then be addressed in detail, followed by mitosis and meiosis. The structure of DNA and its replication will be described, along with the structure of RNA, its transcription, the structure of ribosomes, the translation process, and the genetic code.
The genetics section will cover Mendel's three laws and their apparent and real exceptions (linkage of traits) with corresponding examples and exercises. Gene and chromosomal mutations will be analyzed, with examples of genetic disorders associated with them (Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, and sex chromosome-related disorders).
The structure and morphology of human chromosomes and the normal human karyotype will also be addressed. The module will conclude with the study of pedigree analysis in human genetic disorders, including examples and exercises.
The molecules of life: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids
The cell: Prokaryotes and eukaryotes - structure and examples. Tissues. Viruses
Mitosis and Meiosis
Mendel's laws
Real and apparent exceptions to Mendel's laws
DNA: Structure and replication
RNA: mRNA, tRNA, rRNA
Transcription
Translation
Structure of chromatin and chromosomes
The human karyotype
Gene and chromosomal mutations: Examples and potential implications
Examples of chromosomal mutation disorders
The course includes lectures (24 hours of face-to-face lessons) conducted with slide presentations (primarily in Italian but occasionally in English for recently published materials). During classroom explanations, students are encouraged to interact with the lecturer by asking questions and sharing curiosities. The lecturer will also present real-life cases and examples to illustrate the application and importance of the subjects being taught.
Students are required to attend the lessons as stipulated in the academic regulations of the program and must sign the attendance sheet to be eligible to take the exam. The lecturer is committed to making the presentations shown in class and other relevant materials (e.g., scientific articles) available through the university's online platforms (e.g., e-learning, Teams) accessible to students.
A Microsoft Teams group will be created for the course, where the lecturer will upload lessons and supplementary materials. This platform will also allow instant meetings to address questions and doubts through one-on-one or group conversations, as well as the option to make inquiries via chat.
Reference texts:
P. Bonaldo «Biologia e Genetica» – 4° ed. – EdiSES
SADAVA D. : “Elementi di Biologia e Genetica” – Zanichelli
L. Tiepolo, U. Laudani: “Le basi biologiche dell’ereditarietà” - 3° ed. Editore La Goliardica Pavese