Biology – Molecular Biology

General

• Code: 285-1901011 (Θ) 285-1901012 (Ε)
• Semester: 1st
• Study Level: Undergraduate
• Course type: General Background
• Teaching and exams language: Greek
• The course is offered to Erasmus students
• Teaching Methods (Hours/Week): Lectures (3) / Laboratory (2)
• ECTS Units: 7
• Course homepage: https://exams-phym.the.ihu.gr/course/index.php?categoryid=3
• Instructors: Papoutsi Androniki, Giannakou Ourania
• Coordinator: Papoutsi Androniki

Course Contents

THEORY

• Principles of cellular organization (the diversity of life, prokaryotic-eukaryotic cell, viruses, cell analysis technology).
• Principles of Molecular organization (the nature of biomolecules, macromolecules and the human genome, formation of cell structures and organelles) Plasma Membrane (Cell Membrane).
• Nucleus & chromosome organization.
• DNA: replication and repair – Expression and regulation of Genetic information.
• Cytoplasmic membrane system.
• Self-replicating cytoplasmic organelles.
• Cytoskeleton – cellular movements.
• Cell growth: Division and Apoptosis.
• Cellular interactions.

LABORATORY

Introduction to cell biology. Biology-Molecular Biology Laboratory equipment. Basic Principles of Laboratory Safety and proper use of laboratory equipment. Introduction to microscopy methods. Microscopic observation of living eukaryotic cells and cellular structures (observation of plant cell nuclei, observation of amyloid granules after Lugol’s staining, observation of leaf stomata – guard cells – chloroplasts, observation of animal cell nuclei). Microscopic examination of bacterial fresh preparation. Staining techniques of prokaryotic cell preparations. Gram staining procedure (rapid) and observation of Gram (-) and Gram (+) bacterial preparations. Lactophenol staining and observation of fungal preparations. Cell counting techniques (eukaryotic-prokaryotic). Cell culture techniques. DNA quantification on agarose gels. Central Dogma Biology exercises methodology (replication-transcription-translation-translation).

Educational Goals

The aim of the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge of the composition, structure and function of the cell (mainly eukaryotic) and cell division, as well as to understand the mechanisms underlying the central doctrine of Molecular Biology. The course also aims to acquire skills in the techniques of staining and microscopic observation of cell preparations, in determining the number of cells in microscopic preparations, and in determining the concentration of nucleic acids.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to have acquired:

Knowledge

• Recognize the biodiversity of living organisms and their evolution.
• Distinguish the properties of different living organisms (prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses) in terms of their organization, structure, function and genetics.
• Identify the chemical composition of biological macromolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, polysaccharides) and their participation in the structure and organization of the cell (prokaryotic-eukaryotic).
• Understand the energy flow in biological systems and the basic principles of metabolism (glucose synthesis and oxidation, enzymes – biocatalysis).
• Distinguish and describe the organization, function and role of the various cellular structures of the eukaryotic cell (nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasmic structures and organelles).
• To be able to understand and describe the basic principles governing the flow of genetic information (DNA replication-transcription-translation-expression).
• Identify the role of cell division and apoptosis in the maintenance and evolution of life and genetic information.

Skills

• Recognize the associated terminology and abbreviations used worldwide in microscopic observation examinations.
• Know the basic principles and techniques of microscopy.
• Understand the basic principles and apply techniques for staining and observing cell preparations (eukaryotic-prokaryotic) using an optical microscope.
• Apply techniques to determine the concentration of nucleic acids.
• Calculate the number of cells (prokaryotic-eukaryotic) in microscopic preparations.

Competence

• Be able to successfully and safely operate the optical microscope.
• Be familiar with the basic practices, equipment and rules of operation and safety of a molecular biology laboratory.
• Be familiar with the proper handling and maintenance of biological and pathological materials.
• Develop critical thinking and the ability to identify and solve problems, working alone or in groups.

General Skills

• Search for, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of the necessary technology.
• Adapting to new situations.
• Working independently.
• Team work.
• Working in an international environment.
• Working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Production of new research ideas.
• Project planning and management.
• Respect for the natural environment.

Teaching Methods

• In the classroom, face to face.
• The laboratory is held at the Molecular Biology-Genetics & Medical Biotechnology Laboratory.

Use of ICT means

• Basic software (windows, word, power point, the web, etc.).
• Support of learning process through the electronic platform / e-class.
• Problem solving methodology is uploaded and accessible by students as pdf files in e-class.
• Instructions for writing assignments (Theory and Laboratory) are uploaded and accessible by students as pdf files in e-class.

Teaching Organization

Students Evaluation

Theory
Written final exam may include:

• Multiple Choice questionnaire.
• Short answer questions.
• Matching questions.
• True-false questions with justification.
• Problem solving.

Laboratory

1. Daily assessment of students with theory and hands-on exercises in the laboratory (not graded).
2. Written final examination may include:

• • Multiple Choice Test.
  • Short answer questions
  • Matching questions.
  • True-false questions with justification.
  • Problem solving.

Total course grade: Theory grade 60% + Laboratory Grade 40%

For Erasmus students who may have selected the course, an assignment is given in the course subject area, which will be presented and examined in English.

Recommended Bibliography

1. Alberts B., Bray D., Hopkin K., Johnson A., Lewis J., Raff M., Roberts K., Walter P. “Albert’sEssentialCellBiology, 5th edition” («Βασικές Αρχές Κυτταρικής Βιολογίας»), Copyright © 2021 – BROKEN HILL PUBLISHERS LTD, Ανατύπωση 5ης έκδοσης 2021. Κωδικός βιβλίου στον Εύδοξο: 102069992.
2. Geoffrey M. Cooper & Robert E. Hausman. ΤΟ ΚΥΤΤΑΡΟ: Μια Μοριακή Προσέγγιση ΕΠΙΤΟΜΗ ΕΚΔΟΣΗ. ΑΚΑΔΗΜΑΪΚΕΣ ΕΚΔΟΣΕΙΣ Ι. ΜΠΑΣΔΡΑ & ΣΙΑ Ο.Ε., 2021, 8η έκδοση. Κωδικός βιβλίου στον Εύδοξο: 102123643.