Course details
Molecular Biology
MPA-MOL FEKT MPA-MOL Acad. year 2025/2026 Winter semester 6 credits
The course provides a detailed description of biological macromolecules, their structural properties, and functional relationships within the cell. While the primary focus is on eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells as well as viral particles, the ultimate goal of molecular biology is to gain a deeper understanding of physiological and pathophysiological processes in living organisms at the molecular level.
Molecular biology is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach that integrates biology, chemistry, physics, genetics, and medicine. The continuous advancement of this scientific field expands its scope, with key areas including the molecular biology of eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses. Additionally, contemporary research places significant emphasis on gene regulation mechanisms, cellular signaling, and interactions between nucleic acids and proteins.
Molecular biology provides both theoretical and practical foundations for modern DNA/RNA technologies, which play a crucial role in biomedicine, genetic engineering, and biotechnology. Due to rapid technological progress, this field has become one of the most dynamically evolving disciplines, with broad applications in diagnostics, therapy, and applied research.
Guarantor
Language of instruction
Completion
Time span
- 26 hrs lectures
- 39 hrs laboratories
Department
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide advanced knowledge of the molecular biological differences between eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses. Emphasis is placed on understanding the key molecular mechanisms that govern cellular function and interactions. Students will become familiar with the principles of gene expression regulation, cellular signaling, and genetic information transfer, including mutation mechanisms and horizontal gene transfer.
Upon completing the course, students will be able to:
- describe the principles of biological processes occurring in living organisms and viruses at the molecular level.
- analyze interactions between molecular processes in the cell and their impact on cellular differentiation, development, and organismal homeostasis.
- independently search for, interpret, and synthesize information from scientific literature and apply it to specific research questions.
- engage in professional discussions on current topics in molecular biology, formulate their own arguments, and critically evaluate available evidence.
- practically apply acquired knowledge in the interpretation of experimental data, such as gene expression profile analysis or the study of interactions between proteins and nucleic acids.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
The student should be able to explain the fundamental principles of classical genetics and be familiar with basic concepts and laws of molecular biology. In general, knowledge at the bachelor's level is required.
Laboratory work is conditional on holding a valid qualification as a "competent person for independent work," which students must obtain before the start of the course. Information regarding this qualification is provided in the Dean's Directive on Student Familiarization with Safety Regulations.
Fundamental literature
- Alberts et al.: Molecular biology of the cell 7th. W. W. Norton & Company. 2022.
Syllabus of lectures
1. Introduction to study of molecular biology, genesis and development. Cell, chemical composition, chemical energy, proteins: structure and function, structure and function of nucleic acid.
2. Genetic information, genetic code, definition of gene, types of genes, structure and information content of genomes.
3. Replication of DNA (enzymes and mechanism).
4. Transcription of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, posttranscription of RNA.
5. Translation, transfer RNA, ribosomes, co-translation and post-translation processes.
6. Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes, structure and characteristics of promoters, positive and negative operon regulation, attenuation.
7. Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes, transcription factors, transcriptional enhancers. Cell division, control of the cell cycle.
8. Molecular basis of immune molecule formation.
9. Cell signaling (signaling molecules, receptors, signaling pathways). Membrane structure, substance transport across membranes, cell-to-cell communication.
10. Genetic information changes, mutations, general and site-specific recombination, repair of mutation-damaged DNA.
11. Mobile elements (prokaryotic and eukaryotic transposons, retrotransposons). Tissues.
12. Fundamentals of genetic engineering, preparation of transgenic organisms and their applications, in vitro mutagenesis, preparation of biopreparations using genetic engineering methods, gene therapy.
13. Basics of using biochemical methods in molecular biology.
Syllabus of laboratory exercises
L01 Laboratory introduction, Absorption spectroscopy
L02 DNA isolation from bacterial cells
L03 DNA isolation from animal cells
L04 Quality and quantity control of DNA
L05 PCR Primer Design
L06 PCR Amplification
L07 Passaging cells
L08 The Bradford Method for Protein Quantitation, Color Reactions of Amino Acids
L09 Protein isolation and 2D gel electrophoresis
L10 Restriction enzyme digestion
L11 Restriction enzyme digestion II
L12 Real-time PCR
Progress assessment
up to 40 points from practical sessions (1 test, laboratory activity, home preparation)
up to 60 points from the oral exam
The exam focuses on verifying the student's understanding of advanced concepts in molecular biology.
Laboratory sessions are mandatory. Properly excused absences can be made up after consultation with the instructor.
Course inclusion in study plans