Molecular Genetics, 5 op

Through the study of the historical experiments that uncovered the source of information in cells and organisms, this course will highlight the genetic, biochemical and molecular nature of genes and genome. We will present and critically analyze these experiments, thereby learning all essential molecular genetics techniques.

We will study at a molecular level the DNA structure and biochemistry; Gene structure and organization; Structure and maintenance of the chromatin and chromosomes; Genome inheritance (mitosis/meiosis) and maintenance (Replication, Recombination and Repair). Finally we will discuss the genetic mobile elements and the mechanisms of gene regulation in development and origin of life.