Molecular biology

Course unit

title

Scientific direction

Scientific code

Faculty

Department (s)

Molecular biology

Biochemistry N 004

Biology N010 

Chemical engineering T005

Life Sciences Center

Institute of Biosciences

Institute of Biotechnology

Total number of credits

9

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Lectures

0

Consultations

0.5

Self-studies

8.5

Seminars

0

Course annotation

The course addresses the main molecular aspects of the storage, multiplication, transfer and realization of genetic information in living systems.

Aims of course

To build an analytical, systematic and critical approach addressing the problems and perspectives of molecular biology science, based on the latest research-based knowledge of molecular processes in biological systems.

Main topics

The course addresses the main molecular aspects of the storage, multiplication, transfer and realization of genetic information in living systems.

Main topics:

• Proteins, their structural organisation, protein biosynthesis, ribosomes.
• Chromatin, chromatin architecture, remodelling, chromatin modifications, histone code.
• DNA methylation and epigenetic genome regulation.
• DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, structure and functions of replication machineries, replication control.
• Transcription: RNA polymerases, promoters, structure and function of transcription machineries, gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• RNA processing.
• Splicing, spliceosome structure and functions, splicing mechanisms, alternative splicing.
• Genome organisation and evolution: human and other mammalian genomes, comparative genomics.
• Microbial genomes.
• Metagenomics.
• Non-coding RNA, their biology and functions.
• DNA recombination and repair.

Main literature

• Lewin’s Genes XII. J. E. Krebs, E. S. Goldstein, S, T. Kilpatrick. Jones & Barlett Learning 2021.
• Lewin’s Genes XI. J. E. Krebs, E. S. Goldstein, S, T. Kilpatrick. Jones & Barlett Learning 2014.
• Recent reviews in the molecular biology field-related journals: Nature Review Molecular and Cellular Biology; Nature Review Genetics; Nature Review Microbiology and other.

Assessment type

Assessment criteria

Exam, seminar

Assessment of the study subject is organized by means of a written exam or a seminar.

Doctoral students who did not have subjects in molecular biology or a related field in the 1st-2nd cycle studies are recommended to take the exam.

Assessment by the exam. Three questions from the main topics listed in the subject description, are presented to the student. Assessment is based on the demonstrated knowledge of the subject, analytical and critical approach addressing the problems and perspectives of molecular biology field, by discussing examination topics with the members of the examination board.

Assessment by the seminar. Student prepares and presents a public seminar on the topic of molecular biology, discussed in advance with the subject coordinator. In the presentation, the state of the art of the chosen scientific topic should by reviewed and discussed. The time for presentation shall not exceed 30 min. The evaluation is based on the presentation and discussion, on the answers to questions of the members of examination board and other participants of the seminar.

Giedrius Sasnauskas

Arvydas Lubys

prof.

Edita Sužiedėlienė

prof.

Approved by the Council of Doctoral School of Life Sciences Center No (4.10)600000-KT-… on the 14th of October 2021

Chairman dr. Daiva Baltriukienė