Syllabus

Molecular Biology and Genetics An overview of the discipline of genetics and equip students to work from basic principles to understand and appreciate both classical and modem molecular genetics. Advanced topics will include the increased understanding of the genetic basis/components in prevalent diseases, genetically engineered organisms and foods, the importance of knowing the complete DNA sequence of organisms including humans.

Instructor: Dr. Paul Bottino

Textbook: Genetics-A Molecular Approach, 2nd Edition 2006 by Peter J. Russell.

Module 1 DNA Structure and Replication Ch 2

• DNA as the Genetic Material
• Nucleic Acid Structure
• Semi-conservative DNA replication

Module 2 Transription and Translation Ch 3-4

• Initiation-Promotors and Enhancers
• Elongation
• Termination
• RNA Processing
• Proteins, Protein Synthesis and the Genetic Code
• Translation-Initiation, Elongation, Termination

Module 3 Relationship Between Genes and Phenotypes Ch 5-6

• Mutations and Phenotypes
• Gene Expression and Phenotypes
• Biochemical Genetics-Altered Pathways

Module 4 Regulation of Gene Expression Ch 8

• The lac operon
• The trp operon
• Transcriptional Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes

Module 5 Recombinant DNA and Molecular Analysis Ch 9

• Recombinant DNA
• Cloning Vectors-small and large inserts
• Cloning Strategies
• PCR
• Electrophoresis
• DNA and Protein Blotting
• DNA Sequencing

Module 6 Eukaryotic Genome Organization Ch 10

• Repetitive DNA and Renaturation Kinetics
• Eukaryotic DNA Packaging
• Chromosome Structure
• Whole Genome Organization

Module 7 Transposable Elements Ch 22

• Eukaryotic Transposons-Corn and Drosophila
• Prokaryotic Transposons-Insertion Sequences, Composite Elements
• Genetic Applications

Module 8 Developmental Genetics Ch 23

• Genetic Control of Development in C. elegans
• Genetic Control of Development in Drosophila
• Flower Development in Arabidopsis thaliana

Module 9 Genes and Cancer Ch 24

• Cell Cycle Regulation
• Molecular Basis of Cancer
• Genes that Influence Cancer
• Etiology of Cancer

Module10 . Genes and Immunity Ch 25

• The Immune Response
• Antibody Structure
• Antibody Genes
• Immune System Malfunction

Module 11 Applicatiions of Genetics-Medicine-Forensics-Agriculture Ch 26-27

• The Human Genome Project
• Genetic Testing-DNA Fingerprinting
• Genetic Pharmacology
• Human Gene Therapy
• Genetic Diversity-Conservation Genetics
• Plant Biotechnology-Genetically Modified Crops

Module 12 Legal and Ethical Issues in Genetics Ch 28

• Eugenics Genetic
• Testing and Screening
• Intellectual Property Rights in Genetics
• Recombinant DNA and Safety