Content (Syllabus outline)

- Introduction and brief history of molecular biology: connections with other related sciences; central dogma of molecular biology; review of classical experiments to prove the role of DNA in the transfer of information between organisms or generations
- Role of DNA and evolution: types of DNA polymorphisms; introduction to molecular evolution
- Structure of DNA and genomes: biochemical and spatial structure of DNA; concept of gene and organization of genes in the genome; structure of nucleosomes and chromatin of eukaryotes
- Physical maps, DNA sequencing and introduction to research methodology: main characteristics of Sanger DNA sequencing methods and NGS and nanopore sequencing methods; use or importance of meiotic recombination for the preparation of genetic maps
- DNA replication - molecular aspect: structure of the replisome; main points of the DNA replication process
- DNA replication - cellular aspect: coordination of the cell cycle and initiation of DNA replication; basics of the eukaryotic cell cycle from the point of view of regulating the onset of S phase
- Mutations and repair mechanisms: types of mutations and their effects on protein structure and phenotype; molecular mechanisms of repair mechanisms: base excision repair, NER, MMR, NHEJ and HR
- Homologous recombination in meiosis: differences between HR in meiosis and in repair mechanisms; molecular mechanisms of HR and their importance for the genetic diversity of eukaryotes
- Chromosomal abnormalities: aneuploidies and polyploidies
- RNA: transcription and processing: structure of RNA polymerases; key points of the transcription process; specifics of transcription in eukaryotes; molecular mechanisms of splicing and joining of introns or exons and other posttranscriptional processes
- Regulation of gene expression and cell signaling: regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes and its connection with cell signaling; mechanism of action of the GAL switch
- Epigenetics and extranuclear genetic inheritance: basic concepts of epigenetics; organelle DNA and its inheritance; transgenerational inheritance of chromatin changes; prions
- Translation and molecular biology of proteins: structure of ribosomes; key points of the translation process; molecular mechanisms of protein targeting in the cell
- Basics of classical (Mendelian) genetics: monogenic vs. polygenic traits; Mendel and the significance of his experiments; important extensions and modifications of Mendel's laws; OMIM database; pedigrees and their abuse in the early 20th century in connection with eugenics; genetic testing

Prerequisites

Prerequisites for admittance to final exam:
Practical examination (colloquium):
- presence at practicals

Exam:
- practical examination (colloquium)
- presence at lectures