Molecular Biology B

Code

1116

Academic unit

Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia

Department

Departamento de Ciências da Vida

Credits

6.0

Teacher in charge

Ilda Maria Barros dos Santos Gomes Sanches

Weekly hours

4

Total hours

72

Teaching language

Português

Objectives

The general objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the key concepts in molecular biology and uses of methods and techniques in molecular biology. Students are expected to acquire basic knowledge in molecular biology, and training in common methods to isolate and analyze DNA.

Prerequisites

Subject matter

Cells and genomes. Nucleic acid structure and function: introduction to the fundamental molecular mechanisms of replication, transcription, translation and regulation of gene expression with particular focus in prokaryotic (model) organisms. Main molecular mechanisms of mutation, mutagenesis and DNA repair. Major mechanisms of gene transfer in bacteria. Overview of different methods and techniques of analysis of nucleic acids and applications.

Laboratory classes: Growth and culturing of bacteria in liquid media. Preparation of serial dilutions for count colonies and determination of colony-forming units. Isolation, purification, and quantification of nucleic acids: plasmid DNA by alkaline lysis and cheek cell DNA extraction (adapted ‘DNA Extraction Module Genes in a Bottle” lab kit. Bio-Rad Lab.).  Agarose gel electrophoresis of circular DNA - supercoiled, relaxed, and linear DNA. PCR amplification of multiple STR (STR - short tandem repeats) markers of the TH01 locus of the human genome, separation and detection of PCR Products (STR Alleles) by agarose gel electrophoresis and sample genotype determination (adapted, ‘Crime Scene Investigator” PCR Basics kit. Bio-Rad Lab.).

Bibliography

- Lodish, H., Scott, M et al. (2003). Molecular Cell Biology (5th ed.). W.H. Freeman.

- Alberts B., Bray, D., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Watson, J.D. (2002). Molecular Biology of the Cell (4th ed.). Garland Publishing, Inc.

- Hartl, D. L. (2005) Genetics, Analysis of genes and genomes. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, London.

- Sambrook J., and D. W. Russell. (2001) Molecular Cloning - A Laboratory Manual. 3^rd Edition. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. New York.

Teaching method

Lectures, seminars, theorical-pratical classes, laboratory sessions

Evaluation method

Final written (75% of final grade). Other evaluation methods (25% of final grade) oral presentations of laboratory results; participation / commitment and performance in the laboratory.

Courses

• Perfil de Química Orgânica
• Engenharia Química e Bioquímica
• Especialidade em Engenharia Bioquímica
• Bioquímica
• Nanotecnologias e Nanociências
• Perfil de Biotecnologia
• Especialidade em Engenharia Química