Microbial Regulatory Mechanisms

5 credits

Syllabus, Master's level, 1MB431

A revised version of the syllabus is available.
Code
1MB431
Education cycle
Second cycle
Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
Molecular Biotechnology A1F, Technology A1F
Grading system
Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U)
Finalised by
The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 16 March 2010
Responsible department
Biology Education Centre

Entry requirements

120 credits inclusive Basic chemistry, Organic chemistry, Cell biology, Genome biology, Mikrobiology. Macromolecular machines is recommended.

Learning outcomes

This course focuses on regulatory mechanisms that microbes-primarily bacteria-employ in

responses to physiological or environmental changes.

After attending this course, the student should be able to

  • understand the special conditions of life of importance for bacteria
  • understand, in general and in mechanistic detail, how the adaptations of microbes to changed internal and external environments result from adaptive responses
  • understand and explain in detail how regulatory mechanisms work at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level
  • have a good insight into the relationships between environmental signalling, molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, and physiological responses at a cellular or population level
  • understand the importance of extrachromosomal elements for gene flow and the acquisition of new traits
  • understand the special properties of plasmids, in particular concerning stable maintenance and replication control
  • have a good insight into the increasing significance of RNA-mediated control of gene expression and its mechanisms of action
  • understand primary publications, in general and in specific detail, and develop the skills to summarise, discuss, and critically analyse their content and evaluate their conclusions
  • analyse critically, interpret and evaluate, and summarise obtained experimental results

Content

This course is mainly focused on mechanisms of gene expression that form the basis for

adaptive responses in bacteria. In this course the following questions will be addressed.

Overview of and deeper insights into the particular life conditions that are relevant for

bacteria. Focus on conditions such as starvation, bacterial stress, differentiation processes and

virulence. Understanding how changes in the internal and external environment determine

phenotypic changes. In-depth analysis and understanding of connections between signals that

are received by bacteria and regulation of gene expression that is required to meet

physiological requirements and to mount adaptive responses. Levels of gene regulation:

trancriptional regulation (DNA level) by activator and repressor proteins, post-transcriptional

regulation at the mRNA level, with emphasis on regulatory RNAs and cis-acting RNA

elements (riboswitches). Bacterial differentiation - sporulation. Bacterial communication -

quorum sensing. Gene transfer between bacteria, the horizontal gene pool, plasmids and other

extrachromosomal elements. RNA-based acquired immunity against invading DNA in

bacteria and archea (CRISPR/cas).

Practical lab work will be based on recent research in the subject area.

Instruction

Teaching comprises lectures, seminars, and lab practicals. If possible, site visits will be

arranged at, e.g., biotech companies. Participation in seminars, lab practicals and lectures

connected to them, is compulsory.

Course points: Theory part: 3 credits; seminars: 1 credit, lab practicals: 1 credit

Assessment

To pass the course, active participation in at least 80% of seminars and all lab practicals is

required. Lab work must have been reported in writing and must have been approved. The

theoretical part of the course is assessed by a written exam.

FOLLOW UPPSALA UNIVERSITY ON

facebook
instagram
twitter
youtube
linkedin