Genome Maintenance & Regulation

BIOL21101 Genome Maintenance & Regulation 10 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 2 David Boam Unit coordinator School of Biological Sciences 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Middle part of Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 Relative stability of the genome is essential if an organism is to function and reproduce. Equally, changes in the genome are important as they allow a species to evolve taking on new characteristics, which may provide a competitive advantage. You will study the molecular processes which cells use to reproduce and to repair their DNA and the molecular mechanisms, such as recombination and mobile gene elements, which bring about changes in the genome. Genome regulation at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and translational levels will also be considered. Relative stability of the genome is essential if an organism is to function and reproduce. Equally, changes in the genome are important as they allow a species to evolve taking on new characteristics, which may provide a competitive advantage. You will study the molecular processes which cells use to reproduce and to repair their DNA and the molecular mechanisms, such as recombination and mobile gene elements, which bring about changes in the genome. Genome regulation at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and translational levels will also be considered. To provide a general overview of how a genome is maintained and regulated in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This will be achieved using an example and paradigm-orientated approach, emphasising common themes related to mechanism.  Students will be expected to have basic knowledge and understanding of: <ul> <li> The mechanisms by which prokaryotes and eukaryotes detect and repair DNA damage</li> <li> Genome regulation at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and translational levels</li> <li> Regulation of DNA replication during cell growth and interaction with transcription and DNA repair processes</li> <li> Recombination and mobile gene elements, and their roles in genome function and evolution</li> <li> Genome structure including nuclear and organelle genomes and implications for regulation</li> </ul> Analytical skills eLearning assignments and exam include data handling problems. Group/team working Students take part in an online ePoster activity in groups of 4. Innovation/creativity Opportunity for these skills to be developed through the ePoster exercise. Leadership There is the opportunity to develop these skills as part of the ePoster exercise. Project management Students must manage and participate in their groups to submit the poster by a fixed deadline. Oral communication Students are encouraged to ask questions during lectures. Problem solving eLearning assignments, teaching material and exam include data handling problems. Research ePoster exercise, exam and eLearning assignments. Written communication Examination and ePoster activity. Gene regulation in prokaryotes •    Promoter architecture, regulatory networks, gene regulation and signalling by nutrients and stress in prokaryotes; roles of RNA in prokaryotic gene regulation Gene regulation in eukaryotes •    Sequence-specific transcription factors families; mechanisms of transcriptional stimulation - coactivators, repressors and chromatin remodelling; signalling to the nucleus; tissue-specific and developmental gene regulation •    The co-transcriptional regulation of mRNA processing; generating the transcriptome - alternative splicing, mRNA turnover, RNA interference; RNA nucleocytoplasmic export and the control of mRNA localization •    The mechanism and control of eukaryotic protein synthesis DNA replication - basic models of regulation during cell growth in yeast and higher eukaryotes, bacterial and viral DNA replication Mechanisms of DNA repair- error-prone, recombination, transcription-coupled excision repair; detection of DNA damage in eukaryotes and prokaryotes Horizontal gene transfer - transduction, transformation, conjugation; DNA segregation. Transposons and retroviruses; their effect on genome evolution, organisation and function Organelle genomes, evolution, composition, regulation and maintenance eLearning modules with both formative and summative online assessment; group based ePoster activities   1 Written exam 75% 7 Oral assessment/presentation 25% Examination (75%) and a group-based ePoster presentation (25%).  Online MCQs based on lectures will allow students to practice MCQs and obtain continuous formative feedback on their own progress and understanding. Electronically marked components of the unit assessment allow students to monitor their own progress. An online discussion forum is available for communication between students and staff. Feedback on examination performance will be delivered online once results have been published. BIOL10212 Biochemistry Pre-Requisite Recommended BIOL10221 Molecular Biology Pre-Requisite Compulsory BIOL21101 Pre-requisite is BIOL10221BIOL21101 Pre- & Co-requisites are BIOL10221 N Assessment written exam 1.5 Lectures 22 0 76.5