Molecular Biology

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in Biochemistry and CellBiology.

Teaching Methods

Students participation during classes is encouraged; discussions with the students are maintained, and they are asked to propose hypothesis for solving specific questions. These hypotheses are then explored in the face of current state of the art.

Learning Outcomes

In this curricular unit, students will learn the state of the art of genetic of information flow mechanisms and the regulation of genetic expression. It is also intended that students become familiarized with recombinant DNA technologies, so that they can understand different approaches for studying cellular biology problems in a molecular level. Another objective is that the students identify unresolved emergent questions in the field.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Key concepts in Molecular Biology

2. Genetic Information Flow

- Organization of the genome

- DNA replication, repair and recombination

- Transcription and RNA processing

-Translation; post-translational modifications; Regulation of protein half-life

-Regulation of gene expression

3. Recombinant DNA technology

- PCR and cloning

- DNA sequencing

- Bioinformatics

- Southern blot, Northern blot, Western blot

- Recombinant proteins, site directed mutagenesis

- Genomics and proteomics approaches

- Gene inactivation

- Biomedical applications

- Applications to cell biology.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Luísa Monteiro de Carvalho

Assessment Methods

Assessement
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

•Molecular Cell Biology, Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser, Monty Krieger, Anthony Bretscher, Hidde Ploegh, Angelika Amon, Matthew P. Scott, 2013, 7ª Edição, W.H. Freeman and Company.

•The Cell - A Molecular Approach, G.M. Cooper & Robert E. Hausman, 2013, 6ª Edição, Sinauer Associates.

•Molecular Biology of the Cell, Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Peter Walter, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, 2008, 5ª Edição, Garland Science; ISBN: 0815341067.

•Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, D.L. Nelson & M.M. Cox, 2008, 5ª Edição, W.H. Freeman & Company; ISBN: 071677108X.

•Engenharia Genética: Princípios e Aplicações, A. Videira, 2001, LIDEL – edições técnicas, lda.; ISBN: 972-757-163-8.

•Biologia Celular e Molecular, Carlos Azevedo, Claudio E Sunkel, 2012, LIDEL-edições técnicas, lda; ISBN: 987-972-757-692-0.