Molecular Genetics I

• 26 hrs lectures

This lecture is conceived as an introduction into molecular biology and genetics and gives the explanation of processes on molecular level in relation to the basic functions of living systems. The second part of the lecture is focused on basic methods of molecular genetics and their applications in gene engineering which is a main tool of modern biotechnologies.
The basic knowledge of molecular biology, using methods of molecular biology and gene engineering in the research area, in industry, agriculture and medicine.

The structure and basic functions of living systems, their reproduction, cell chemistry, structure and function of biomacromolecules.

History of molecular genetics. Genetic information and the genetic code. Molecular structure of procaryotic and eucaryotic genome. Replication and transcription of procaryotic and eucaryotic genome. Postranscriptional modification and processing of RNA. Translation and posttranslational processing. Regulation of gene expression. Molecular basis of cancerogenesis (oncogenes, antioncogenes). Molecular mechanisms of mutagenesis and recombination. Mobile elements. Repair mechanisms of damaged DNA. Basic methods of molecular genetics. DNA cloning. Gene engineering and transgenic organisms. Gene therapy. Genetic diseases and their diagnostics. Molecular genetics of plants and their use in agriculture.

Oral exam
Lectures are optional, no control tests during the semester.