| Topic |
Sub-topic |
| TOPIC 1. DNA replication |
Semiconservative DNA replication. Enzymology of the replication. Telomere synthesis. Replication of mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA. |
| TOPIC 2. Synthesis and processing of RNA. |
Classes of RNA. RNA polymerases. Promoters and transcriptional apparatus. Transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes: initiation, elongation and termination. Interrupted genes: exons and introns. Processing of eukaryotic pre-mRNA. Synthesis and processing of pre-rRNA. Synthesis, processing and editiong of the different RNAs. |
| TOPIC 3. Mutation and DNA repair. |
Mutation molecular basis. DNA Repair mechanisms. |
| TOPIC 4. Molecular mechanism of genetic recombination, |
The role of genetic recombination. Gene conversion. Models of homologous and site-specific recombination. |
| TOPIC 5. OMICs. |
Methodology for genome and genome expression studies. |
| TOPIC 6. Translation and protein processing. |
Central dogma in molecular biology. Ribosomes and tRNAs. Translation cycle: initiation, elongation, and termination. Genetic code and genetic decoding. |
| TOPIC 7. Regulation of gene expresssion. |
Regulation od gene expression in bacteria. Operons. Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes.Changes in chromatin structure. Transcription, RNA processing and mRNA stability control. Control at the level of translation. |
| TEMA 8. Proteomics. |
Methodology for protein and proteins expression studies. |
| TOPIC 9. Bioenergetics and introduction to metabolism. |
Anabolic and catabolic pathways. Compartmentalization. Need for coordination and interaction between the different routes. Transport of metabolites across cell membranes. Oxidation reduction in energy production. Generation of ATP: substrate-level phosphorylation, oxidative phosphorylation and photosynthetic phosphorylation as energy production systems. |
| TOPIC 10. Glycolysis and catabolism of hexoses. |
Location of the routes. Stages and pathway regulation. Fermentations. Relationship with the pentose phosphate pathway. |
| TOPIC 11. TCA cycle. |
Location of the route. Conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. Study of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and interaction with other routes. Anaplerotic routes, importance of mitochondrial shuttles and balances. |
| TOPIC 12. Gluconeogenesis. |
Definition and localization, metabolic need for this route. Glyoxylate cycle. |
| TOPIC 13. "Dark Phase" of photosynthesis. Relationship with gluconeogenesis. |
he Calvin cycle. Photorespiration. Regulation. Sucrose metabolism and starch. |
| TOPIC 14. Glycogen metabolism. |
The reserve polysaccharide glycogen. Biosynthesis and degradation of muscle and liver glycogen. Regulation. The role of the liver in the maintenance of blood glucose. Congenital anomalies of glycogen metabolism. |
| TOPIC 15. Lipid Metabolism. |
Lipid catabolism: lipolysis, beta-oxidation. Biosynthesis of fatty acids, triglycerides, membrane lipids and steroids. Regulation of lipid metabolism. Metabolism of ketone bodies. |
| TOPIC 16. Metabolism of amino acids. |
Digestion and degradation of intracellular proteins. Nitrogen removal of amino acids. Urea cycle. Ammonia transport to the liver. Fate of the carbon skeleton of amino acids. Amino acid biosynthesis. Regulation |
| TOPIC 17. Derivatives of amino acids. |
Amino acid precursor functions: Amines with biological activity, glutathione, porphyrins. Metabolism of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides. Regulation |
| TOPIC 18. Integration of metabolism. |
Metabolic profiling of major organs. Key connections between routes: glucose-6-phosphate, pyruvate and acetyl CoA. Metabolic adaptations to stress. Fasting, exercise. |
Subjects