Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Molecular Biology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
To arrange tutoring appointments contact by email:
jperezv@uic.es
Introduction
Over the last decades, molecular biology has gone through the most unbelievable and dramatic revolution by far more important than any other scientific discipline. Biology, and, as a consequence, medicine, have to be reconceived by using the new tools, technologies and all the new knowledge brought by molecular and cellular biology as well as by biochemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Pre-course requirements
Prerequisites are not required
Objectives
The most important objective of the subject is to achieve a strong conceptual base and acquire the ability to evaluate the current state of scientific knowledge of the different topics of Molecular Biology. The student will be provided with the essential scientific knowledge to understand the gene function and its implications in the molecular basis of the disease.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- Recognize the molecular foundations that explain transcriptional and post-transcriptional phenomena in eukaryotes in the adult phase and in their development, as well as the basic genetic principles that define the bases of genetic inheritance.
- Recognize the basic biological concepts and the proper language of the biomedical sciences in the state of health.
- To know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the skills that are usually demonstrated through the elaboration and defense of arguments and the resolution of problems within their area of study
- That students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their area of study) to make judgments that include a reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific or ethical nature
- Develop the capacity of organization and planning appropriate to the moment.
- Understand experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements
- To Know how to communicate, make presentations and write scientific papers.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- Apply the scientific method.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course, the student:
- Know the molecular bases and mechanisms of the flow of genetic information and its regulation.
- Know the mechanisms of storage and processing of genetic information.
- Solve exercises and problems raised during the course
- Know the basic methodology used in Molecular Biology
- Understand the results presented in an easy-to-read scientific article
Syllabus
Topic 1: Introduction. Molecular Biology in Biomedicine.
Topic 2: Molecular evolution of the cell. Proteines as molecular machinery.
Topic 3: Structure and function of nucleic acids. The nucleotides and their components. Primary structure of DNA and RNA. Secondary structure Watson and Crick model and alternative forms. Higher order structures. Superenllamiento and topoisomerasas. Condensation of DNA.
Topic 4: Composition and structure of chromatin. DNA-protein complexes: the eukaryotic nucleosome. Molecular biology of the chromosome.
Topic 5: Molecular biology of the gene. Organization of the genome. Levels of complexity of the genome. Gene concept at the molecular level.
Topic 6: Replication of DNA. Initiation and proteins involved. Elongation and termination mechanisms. Telomere elongation.
Topic 7: Regulation of replication in eukaryotes.
Topic 8: Mutation and repair of DNA. Mutations, injuries and mutagenic agents. Repair mechanisms.
Topic 9: Transcription. General concepts about gene regulation. Eukaryotic transcription. Transcriptional machinery. Edition of mRNA. Complex of union to CAP. Polyadenilación Process of cut and splice (splicing). Alternative splicing Differences with prokaryotic transcription.
Topic 10: Regulation of transcription in eukaryotes. Structure of chromatin Chromatin and remodeling. Epigenetics Role of chromatin in eukaryotic gene expression. Methylation of DNA and RNAi. Promoters, stimulators and transcription factors. Promoter zones of DNA pol II, activating and silencing zones (enhancers and silencers). Transcription factors. Mediating complex and SAGA complex. Coactivators Regulation of RNA polymerase II.
Topic 11: Post-transcriptional regulation: The mRNA edition, the role of the mRNA cap (CAP 5 ') in the translation of mRNA and its stability. The CAP binding complex (CBC) and eIF4E. Polyadenylation and its role in the translation and stability of mRNA. The histone mRNAs. The splicesosome, the SR proteins and the "exon-splicing-enhancers" (ESEs). Alternative splicing and trans-splicing. Regulation of alternative splicing. Coupling between RNA processing and transcription. Methods of identifying alternative splicing variants. Edition of mRNA. Regulation of mRNA transport. Control of mRNA half-life and quality control. The P-bodies and the stress granules. Regulatory elements in mRNA and regulatory proteins. Methods to determine the half-life of mRNA. Regulation of the translation. Posttranscriptional regulation by siRNA and miRNA. Regulation of the half-life of proteins.
Topic 12: Translation. Molecular basis of the genetic code. tRNA's. Phases and molecules involved.
Topic 13: Regulation of translation. Posttranslational modifications
Topic 14: Folding, destination and degradation of proteins. The protesosoma. Control of intracellular traffic. Quality control of proteins.
Topic 15: The cell cycle.
Topic 16: Regulation of the cell cycle. Proteins involved in the regulation of the cell cycle. Checkpoints. Control of the cell cycle by miRNA action. Role of p53.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lecture (Master class, CM): Explanation of a theoretical topic by the instructor, during 50 minutes.
Problems Based Learning (PBL): Discussion of a situation in relation to specific issues related to the subject. Individual discussion in a small groups that will finish with a collective group's discussion to draw conclusions. The instructor only leads the conclusions that are elaborated entirely by the students.
Clinical cases (CC): Approach of a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the problem in small groups and later in class the answers are discussed. The instructor actively participates and, if necessary, explain new knowledge to the students.
Practical (P):Experimental demonstration in the laboratory about concepts studied in theoretical classes. Familiarization with the most frequent experimental techniques used at a biochemistry laboratory.
Virtual Education (EV): Online material that the student can consult from any computer, at any time and that will contribute to self-learning concepts related to the subject
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The average grade will be calculated taking into account the different evaluable activities that will be carried out throughout the course:
- Partial exam 20%
- Practical lessons exam 10%
- Final exam 60%
- Clinical cases and class activities 10%
To approve the subject:
- Note > 5 in the final exam.
- Note > 5 in the average of the subject.
Bibliography and resources
Alberts, B et al. Biología Molecular de la Célula. 6ª edición. Ediciones Omega 2016.
Lodish et al. Biología Celular y Molecular. 7ª edición. Editorial Médica Panamericana S.A. 2016.
C.K. Mathews, K.E. Van Holde y K.G. Ahern (2002) Bioquímica. 3ª Edición. Pearson Educación.
Evaluation period
- E1 12/01/2021 I3 16:00h
- E2 17/06/2021 14:00h