Molecular Biology - Biotechnology

Lectures

1. Introduction to Biotechnology (recombinant DNA and genetically modified organisms).

2. Classic/modern Biotechnology. DNA: The Basis of Biotechnology. Basic facts about the structure, function of DNA.

3. Basic principles of copying, transcription of DNA. Translation of RNA into protein.

4. Post-translational modifications of proteins. Recombinant DNA technology. Restriction enzymes. DNA cloning vectors and protein expression vectors-characteristics and properties.

5. Introduction of DNA into a host – gene cloning. Steps of cloning. Libraries (cDNA, genomic, random mutations).

6. Main recombinant DNA techniques (isolation, electrophoresis, DNA hybridization and Southern blotting).

7. DNA sequence. Modern applications of -omics technologies in Food Biotechnology.

8. Microbial Biotechnology. Isolation, culture and use of microorganisms.

9. Industrial fermentations. Applications and products of Microbial Biotechnology in agriculture.

10. Biotechnology of plants and animals.

11. Genetically modified plants. Modern approaches to identify raw materials or foods derived from genetically modified organisms.

12. Legal framework for the production of genetically modified organisms and food (National/European).

13. Ethical issues of Biotechnology.

LABORATORY EXERCISES

1. Isolation of DNA from plants.

2. PCR to amplify genetic loci.

3. Description of the activities of restriction enzymes used in common Molecular Biology techniques and their applications. Enzymatic digestion of plasmid DNA.

4. Explain the main characteristics of a cloning vector. Selection of an appropriate cloning vector for a specific technique.

5. TA cloning (ta cloning) of PCR product in a suitable plasmid vector.

6. Transformation of susceptible E. coli bacteria (strain DH5α) with recombinant plasmid.