Structure, Function and Analysis of Genes - Theory

Code

LIFE2094

School

Life Sciences

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

A lecture only module covering structures of DNA and RNA and how the information within these nucleic acids is maintained and expressed in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell types. Additionally, this module describes how nucleic acids can be manipulated in vitro using molecular biological approaches.

Target Students

This is an optional module for students taking BSc or MSci degrees in BiotechnologyU6UBTECH/U7UBTECH (J700/J703). This module has a cap of 40 places. Students on other degrees need written approval from the named Module Convenor, and students enrolling without this agreement may have their place on the module cancelled without notice.

Additional Requirements

Only available to students who have completed BIOS1001 Genes and Cells OR BIOS1002 Applied Genetics OR BIOS1064

Classes

This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc

Assessment

• 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): ExamSys examination.

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

The overarching learning outcome of this course is to ensure that students understand the flow of information from the genetic blueprint of the cell, through to how proteins are translated, and how proteins feed back into the transcriptional control of genes. They should also understand how to manipulate genes using vectors in vitro, and the basic principles of genetic engineering and its application(s) in biochemistry for protein expression. Students will:

1)  Know the structural parameters of DNA and how they relate to protein binding 
2)  Know the structural differences between a nucleotide and a nucleoside 
3)  Understand how replication is initiated, describe forks and bubbles, leading and lagging strands, and identify and describe the role of protein components of the replisome 
4)  Understand how transcription is regulated, both in terms of the promoter and termination 
5)  Be able to explain how transcription can be repressed and induced in prokaryotes using the lac operon as an example 
6)  Have a detailed understanding of the life cycle of phage lambda and its relevance to gene expression 
7)  Be able to describe how genes are organised in eukaryotes and that one gene can yield more than one mRNA through alternative splicing, explain isoforms 
8)  Be able to describe the translational machinery in eukaryotes and how it functions/is regulated 
9)  Understand the basic ideas of DNA 'cloning' including library construction and screening 
10)  Understand the concepts and basic enzyme 'toolbox' used to clone DNA 
11)  Understand the principles of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Sanger DNA sequencing 

Conveners

• Dr Simon Dawson
• Prof Ronald Chalmers