Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Understand the fundamental concepts and structures of molecular biology including DNA, RNA, proteins, and enzymes.
- Explain the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, translation, and gene expression regulation.
- Analyze the causes and consequences of genetic mutations and the cellular DNA repair mechanisms.
- Explore modern biotechnological techniques such as recombinant DNA technology, gene therapy, and CRISPR-Cas9.
- Apply molecular biology principles to genomics, proteomics, and evolutionary studies.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 3001: Advanced Molecular Biology
1. Introduction to Molecular Biology
- Overview of molecular biology as a discipline
- Key biomolecules:
- DNA structure and function
- RNA types and roles
- Protein structure and enzyme catalysis
- Central dogma of molecular biology
2. DNA Replication
- Necessity of DNA replication for cellular division
- Enzymes involved:
- DNA helicase, DNA polymerase, primase, ligase, topoisomerase
- Mechanisms:
- Semi-conservative replication
- Leading and lagging strand synthesis
- Replication forks and origins
- Proofreading and error correction
3. Transcription and Translation
- Transcription process:
- Role of RNA polymerase
- Promoters, enhancers, and transcription factors
- mRNA processing (capping, splicing, polyadenylation)
- Translation process:
- Ribosome structure and function
- tRNA and codon-anticodon pairing
- Stages of translation (initiation, elongation, termination)
4. Gene Expression Regulation
- Levels of gene regulation:
- Transcriptional regulation (operons, activators, repressors)
- Post-transcriptional regulation (RNA interference, alternative splicing)
- Epigenetic modifications:
- DNA methylation
- Histone modification
- Chromatin remodeling
5. Genetic Mutations and Repair
- Types of mutations:
- Point mutations, insertions, deletions, frameshift
- Causes (spontaneous, induced by mutagens)
- Consequences on protein function
- DNA repair mechanisms:
- Direct repair
- Base excision repair
- Nucleotide excision repair
- Mismatch repair
- Double-strand break repair
6. Recombinant DNA Technology
- Techniques overview:
- Restriction enzymes and DNA ligases
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Gene cloning vectors (plasmids, bacteriophages)
- Genetic engineering methods
- Applications in research and industry
7. Genomics and Proteomics
- Genome sequencing technologies
- Bioinformatics tools for genome and proteome analysis
- Functional genomics and proteomics
- Systems biology implications
8. Gene Therapy
- Principles of gene therapy
- Vectors for gene delivery (viral and non-viral)
- Clinical applications and case studies
- Challenges and safety considerations
9. CRISPR-Cas9 Technology
- Mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing
- Design and delivery of guide RNAs
- Applications in medicine, agriculture, and research
- Ethical, legal, and social implications
10. Molecular Evolution
- Molecular clocks and rate of mutation
- Phylogenetic analysis using molecular data
- Molecular basis of adaptation
- Comparative genomics and evolutionary relationships
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