Molecular Biology

The course adopts theoretical and practical sessions, aligned with a student-centered pedagogical model and problem-based learning. In lectures, fundamental concepts of genetics and gene regulation are addressed. In practical sessions, students apply these concepts through laboratory protocols, developing experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills, promoting autonomy, critical thinking, and integration between theory and practice.

The learning objectives of this course aim for students to understand the flow of genetic information and the mechanisms regulating gene expression, as well as to explain the mutational and recombinational processes responsible for genetic diversity. The teaching methodology integrates lectures to consolidate fundamental knowledge and practical/problem-based sessions that promote the development of experimental skills, critical analysis, and the application of acquired concepts. This integration of theory and practice ensures the development of essential scientific, technical, and transversal competencies for Biotechnology, fostering autonomy, critical thinking, and the ability to integrate knowledge in laboratory and research contexts.

Theoretical Component

Module I

1. Structure of nucleic acids; the gene, organization, structure.

1.1. Flow of genetic information.

2. DNA replication and repair.

3. Multifunctionality of the transcriptome.

4. Transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

4.1. Gene organization.

5. Protein biosynthesis: genetic code; translation mechanisms.

6. Gene expression regulation.

7. Techniques for nucleic acid manipulation and genome analysis: DNA restriction and modification; agarose gel electrophoresis; transformation; PCR; hybridization; sequencing; DNA typing; basic bioinformatics concepts.

Module II

1. Gene mutations.

1.1. Types of mutations.

1.2. Mutagenic agents.

1.3. Mutant selection.

1.4. Repair mechanisms.

2. Bacterial recombination; mobile genetic elements.

Practical Component

DNA extraction and analysis by electrophoresis; plasmid DNA digestion and restriction mapping; bacterial transformation; DNA amplification by PCR.

NAO