Study-unit PLANT BIOTECHNOGY
| Course name | Biotechnology |
|---|---|
| Study-unit Code | GP004100 |
| Curriculum | Comune a tutti i curricula |
| Lecturer | Emidio Albertini |
| Lecturers |
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| Hours |
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| CFU | 6 |
| Course Regulation | Coorte 2022 |
| Supplied | 2024/25 |
| Supplied other course regulation | |
| Learning activities | Affine/integrativa |
| Area | Attività formative affini o integrative |
| Sector | AGR/07 |
| Type of study-unit | Opzionale (Optional) |
| Type of learning activities | Attività formativa monodisciplinare |
| Language of instruction | Italian |
| Contents | Knowledge of the fundamentals and methods of genetic biotechnologies applied to agricultural plants. The course deals with two main topics: techniques for genomic DNA analysis and biodiversity characterization; plant breeding. |
| Reference texts | Lorenzetti et al. Miglioramento genetico delle piante agrarie. Mew Business Media/ Edagricole |
| Educational objectives | The aim of this course is to provide students with knowledge of the techniques and the methods of genome analysis. Elements of techniques for molecular markers development (Southern Blot, PCR and sequencing). Use of molecular markers and sequencing (both Sanger and next generation approaches), including their application for marker-assisted selection. General aspects of mutagenesis and insertional mutagenesis. Transgenesis and GM plants. At the end of the course the student will also have learned the needed notions to be able to begin a plant breeding program and the knowledge on genetic and molecular systems used to increase the results of a breeding program. |
| Prerequisites | Genetics |
| Teaching methods | The course is organized as follows: - classroom lessons on all the topics of the course; - a lab experience at the biotech lab of the DSA3 to put into practice the knowledge acquired on marker-assisted selection. Students will be divided into groups (maximum ten students per group) and will follow one guided lab experience of 3 hours. |
| Other information | Teaching materials provided by the teacher. Classrom exercises. |
| Learning verification modality | The oral exam consists of a discussion lasting about 20 minutes aimed at evaluating the level of knowledge and understanding achieved by the student on the theoretical and methodological contents indicated in the program (genetic improvement methods, types of molecular markers and sequencing, evolution of the species). The oral test will also verify the student's communication skills with language properties and autonomous exposition organization on the same topics with theoretical content. For information on support services for students with disabilities and / or SLD, visit the page http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa |
| Extended program | Nature and origin of genetic diversity in living beings. From morphological to molecular markers; identification of variations in the DNA sequence. Application of DNA Polymerase chain reaction. Molecular markers, different classes of markers and their classification. AFLP, SSR and SNP markers. Molecular markers for crops characterization. Construction of genetic maps. Linkage groups attribution to chromosomes. DNA sequencing: classical and next generation sequencing technologies. Strategies for whole genome sequencing. Introduction to plant breeding. Reproductive systems. Gametophytic and sporophytic self-incompatibility systems; genetic, cytoplasmic, genetic-cytoplasmic male sterility and their effect on plant breeding programs. Vegetative propagation, prevalent self and cross pollination in crops; genetic structure of populations of self- and cross- pollinated plants. Plant breeding methods in self-pollinating plants: pure line selection, pedigree method; single-seed descent method; backcrossing for transfering dominant allele or a recessive allele. Breeding methods of cross-pollinated species; progeny tests for general and specific combination assessment. Constitutions of synthetic varieties. Hybrids. Use of male-sterility in the production of hybrids; backcrossing for transferring of a dominant allele or a recessive allele. Advanced genetics and agriculture: GMOs and genome editing. |
| Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile |