Course detail

Molecular Biology

FEKT-MPC-MOLAcad. year: 2021/2022

Molecular biology is an interdisciplinary branch of science (with biological, chemical, physical, medical, genetic overlaps). The aim of the course is to understand the structure and function of biological macromolecules and their mutual relationships in living organisms (prokaryotic vs eukaryotic organisms vs viruses), especially with respect to physiological and pathophysiological processes. Based on the knowledge of molecular biology, novel cutting-edge technologies, such as DNA and/or RNA technologies, have been developed.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

6

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Pharm.Dr. Petr Babula, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Biomedical Engineering (UBMI)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The student will be able to:
- describe principles of processes in living organisms at molecular level,
- explain gene expression,
- describe principle of cell signalling,
- discus changes of genetic information,
- describe fundamental and basic methods of molecular biology.

Prerequisites

The student should be able to explain fundamental principles of genetics, should know basic terms and principles of molecular biology. Generally, knowledge on the level of Bachelor study is required.
Work in the laboratory is subject to a valid qualification according to 50/1978 Coll. Students must acquire the qualification before the beginning of the course. The information on this qualification is given in the Dean's Directive Introducing students to safety regulations.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching methods depend on the type of course unit as specified in the article 7 of BUT Rules for Studies and Examinations.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

up to 40 points from laboratory exercises (1 written test, 12 reports and/or activities from laboratory exercises)
up to 60 points from finel oral exam
The exam is oriented to understand advanced terms of molecular biology.

Course curriculum

1. Introduction to molecular biology. Cell, the chemical composition of cells, chemical energy, proteins: structure and function, structure and function of nucleic acids.
2. Genetic information, genetic code, definition of gene and genome, types of genes.
3. Replication of DNA or RNA (the principle and involved enzymes).
4. Transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, posttranscriptional RNA editing.
5. Translation, transfer RNA, ribosomes, cotranslational and posttranslational processes.
6. Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes, structure and function of promoter, positive and negative regulation of transcription, attenuation.
7. Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes, transcription factors, transcriptional enhancers. Cell division, cell cycle control.
8. Molecular basis of acquired immunity.
9. Cell signaling (signal molecules, receptors, signaling pathways). The structure of the membranes, transfer of substances across cell membrane, cell communication.
10. Changes in genetic information, mutation, general and site-specific recombination, repair of damaged DNA.
11. Mobile genetic elements (prokaryotic and eukaryotic transposons, retrotransposons). Tissues.
12. Introduction to genetic engineering, constructoin of transgenic organisms and their use, in vitro mutagenesis, gene therapy.
13. Biochemical techniques used in molecular biology.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to deepen the kowledge on the biology of nucleic acids, proteins and their mutual interactions.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Laboratory and computer exercises are mandantory. Excused absence can be substituted.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Relichová, J. Genetika populací. Masarykova univerzita v Brně, 1997, ISBN 80-210-1542 (CS)
Relichová, J. Praktická cvičení z genetiky. Masarykova univerzita v Brně, 1997, ISBN 80- 210-1484-9 (96 stran) Relichová, J. (1997): Praktická cvičení z genetiky. Masarykova univerzita v Brně, 1997, ISBN 80- 210-1484-9 (CS)
Rosypal S. a kol. : Úvod do molekulární biologie. I.-IVdíl. Brno 1999-2002 (třetí vydání). 2006 - I. díl (čtvrté vydání) (CS)
Rosypal S. a kol.: Terminologie molekulární biologie, Brno 2001. (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Elearning

eLearning: currently opened course

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPC-BTB Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

  • Programme MITAI Master's

    specialization NBIO , 0 year of study, winter semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Pharm.Dr. Petr Babula, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to study of molecular biology, genesis and development. Cell, chemical composition, chemical energy, proteins: structure and function, structure and function of nucleic acid.
2. Genetic information, genetic code, definition of gene, types of genes, structure and information content of genomes.
3. Replication of DNA (enzymes and mechanism).
4. Transcription of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, posttranscription of RNA.
5. Translation, transfer RNA, ribosomes, cotranslation and posttranslation processes.
6. Regulace genové exprese u prokaryot, struktura a vlastnosti promotoru, pozitivní a negativní regulace operonu, atenuace.
7. Regulace genové exprese u eukaryot, transkripční faktory, zesilovače transkripce. Buněčné dělení, kontrola buněčného cyklu
8. Molekulární základ tvorby imunitních molekul.
9. Buněčné signalizace (signální molekuly, receptory, signální dráhy). Struktura membrán, přenos látek přes membrány, komunikace mezi buňkami.
10. Změny genetické informace, mutace, obecná a místně specifická rekombinace, reparace mutačně poškozené DNA.
11. Mobilní elementy (prokaryotické a eukaryotické transpozony, retrotranspozony). Tkáně.
12. Základy genového inženýrství, příprava transgenních organismů a jejich využití, mutageneze in vitro, příprava biopreparátů metodami GI, genové terapie.
13. Základy použití biochemických metod v molekulární biologii.

Laboratory exercise

39 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. Bc. Darina Čejková, Ph.D.
Ing. Markéta Jakubíčková, Ph.D.
Ing. Kateřina Šabatová

Syllabus

1. Izolace DNA (kultivace a charakterizace buněčných kultur), příprava pro izolaci, izolační techniky a postupy
2. Gelová elektroforéza (metody založené na separaci nukleových kyselin na agarózových a polyakrylamidových gelech)
3. Restrikční štěpení (endonukleásové enzymy štěpící nukleové kyselin na fragmenty, praktické možnosti, RFLP)
4. Automatická čipová elektroforéza (hybridizační techniky, interakce nukleových kyselin s membránami, vizualizace).

Elearning

eLearning: currently opened course