BIO210 Molecular Biology

• DNA's structure and organisation in the cell.
• DNA replication, recombination and repair.
• Transcription and protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• The genetic code.
• Mobile genetic elements and bacteriophages.
• Structures of operons, promoters, activators, repressors.
• RNA-stability, processing and splicing.
• Gene regulation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
• Functional, small RNA molecules.
• A selection of molecular biology methods.

Knowledge: The course will give students detailed knowledge on DNA-structure, -organization in cells and -synthesis (replication, recombination and repair), RNA synthesis, protein synthesis and gene regulation at a molecular level. Students will get a basic understanding on how interactions between DNA, proteins and RNA-molecules contribute to the biosynthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins as well as DNA packaging, DNA- and RNA modifications and gene regulation. This includes central biochemical reactions, what proteins/enzymes that are involved and the communication between these. Both bacterial and eukaryotic systems will be covered. We will focus on:

• Structure, organization and repair of DNA.
• Replication, transcription and translation (the central dogma within molecular biology).
• RNA splicing
• Fundamental differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotic cells at the molecular level.
• How are the lactose- and tryptophan operons regulated?

Skills

Students will have detailed knowledge on basic molecular biology and biochemical processes in bacteria and eukaryotes. Students will also be able to understand different molecular mechanism of gene regulation and how cells use this to adjust gene expression in response to changes in the environments.

Acquired skills can contribute to solve important problems in the society or in the environment. For example:

• Improve human and animal health (develop new medicals, vaccines, diagnostic tools, healthier foods etc.).
• Surveillance and combat/prevent infections in society.
• Produce more (and healthier) food using genetic technologies.
• Secure life quality on land and in waters by removing toxic pollutants through enzymatic processes.

These opportunities and challenges are central in many UN sustainable development goals.

General competence

The students shall after the course

• have increased understanding on how central biosyntheses take place at a molecular level in cells, and
• can communicate and participate in discussions on topics related to biosynthesis, the buildup of macromolecules, gene regulation, DNA repair.