Course Catalog

Description

Course given only for Biotechnology Bachelor students The focus of this course is on the cell as the basic structural unit and reactor of biotechnology. Structural features of cells and mechanisms of development, differentiation and interaction of cells are discussed. In the foreground of discussions are cell systems of particular interest to the pharmacist and biotechnologist. The second major topic is Human genetics, emphasizing on the Human genome project, i.e. sequencing, organization and mapping of the human genome. There is a brief description of the organization distribution & function of human genes, besides explaining the control of human gene expression by trans- and cis-acting protein factors, and the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for differential gene expression in human cells. Genetic imprinting & selective expression of one of the parental alleles are discussed as well as pathogenic mutations, and the pathogenic potential of repeated sequences. As plant-based biotechnology is of increasing interest the course introduces the most important techniques of cloning and expression in plants. In practice the student learns the culture of cells and handling of cellular systems.