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Lecturer(s)
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Nádvorník Petr, RNDr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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Course Content: Structure, function, and biological significance of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome structure: unique and repetitive sequences, coding and non-coding regions. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic mobile genetic elements (DNA transposons, retrotransposons, retroviruses, bacteriophages), regulation of their activity, functional significance, and transposition mechanisms. DNA replication, its molecular mechanisms, and regulation. Central dogma of molecular biology. Gene expression and its regulation. Transcription of the prokaryotic operon and the eukaryotic transcription unit. Post-transcriptional modifications of primary mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA transcripts. Translation (genetic code, wobble base pairing, and genetic code flexibility). Examples of gene expression regulation in prokaryotes (lactose and tryptophan operons) and eukaryotes (epigenetics and genomic imprinting, alternative splicing, RNA interference, hormonal regulation of expression, cell cycle regulation, molecular biology of cancer). Variable surface glycoproteins of trypanosomes, expression of genes encoding variable molecules of the immune system - B-cell receptors (immunoglobulins), T-cell receptors, MHC complexes, LRR receptors. Molecular basis of genetic variability in organisms. Homologous recombination, crossing-over, and gene conversion. Causes of DNA damage: spontaneous and induced mutations, physical and chemical mutagens, molecular mechanisms of mutagenesis, and DNA repair pathways. Methodology in molecular biology: determination of nucleic acid concentration and purity; nucleic acid gel electrophoresis; nucleic acid hybridization; polymerase chain reaction (PCR); DNA sequencing; recombinant DNA technology, restriction endonucleases, cloning and expression vectors; genome mapping, genomic and cDNA libraries; DNA microarrays. Teaching Methods and Study Supports: The course is delivered through lectures combined with self-study of recommended literature and other electronic information resources.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming)
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Learning outcomes
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The course aims to introduce students to biological informational macromolecules as well as the structure, replication, expression, and variability of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes at the molecular level. Emphasis is placed on understanding the interrelationships between genetic information and its phenotypic manifestations at both the cellular and organismal levels. Students will also acquire foundational knowledge of core molecular biology techniques and methodologies.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to perform the following for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms: describe the structure and function of nucleic acids and proteins, describe and characterize genome structure, organization, and classification, explain the mechanism of genetic information replication and its regulation, explain the mechanisms of gene expression and their regulation, describe and explain the causes of genetic variability (mutations, recombination, transposition), describe and explain DNA repair mechanisms, describe the principles and applications of modern molecular biology techniques.
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Prerequisites
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Knowledge of biology and chemistry at the secondary school level; foundational knowledge from previously completed courses, particularly cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics. Good proficiency in chemical nomenclature, particularly of organic compounds, with an emphasis on heterocyclic compounds and stereochemistry (L/D and R/S isomerism).
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Oral exam
Oral examination: Covers the entire course syllabus and consists of 3 randomly drawn questions.
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Recommended literature
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Alberts, B., Bray, D., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Walter, P. (2000). Základy buněčné biologie. Espero Publishing.
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Barrecheguren Manero, P. J. (2025). Moje první kniha o genetice. Praha.
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Faerthing, A. (2025). Supersnadná biologie. Praha.
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Gálová. (2018). Metódy a techniky génových manipulácií. Nitra.
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Gálová, Z. (2023). Molekulárna biológia. Nitra.
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Kejnovský, E. Tajemství genů : od vzniku života po genom člověka (2. rozšířené vydání). Praha. 2026.
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Kočárek, E. (2025). Biologie - pro studenty lékařských fakult a zdravotnických oborů. Praha.
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Kolektiv autorů. (2022). Superjednoduchá chémia. Bratislava.
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Koolman, J. (2025). Barevný atlas biochemie. Praha.
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Lewin, B. (2008). Genes IX. Sudbury, Mass.
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Liška, F. (2023). Konstituce, konformace, konfigurace v organickém názvosloví. Praha.
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Passarge. E. (2019). Barevný atlas genetiky. Praha.
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Rosypal, S., Pantůček, R., & Doškař, J. (2001). Terminologie molekulární biologie: české odborné termíny, jejich definice a anglické ekvivalenty. Brno.
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Rosypal S. Úvod do molekulární biologie, I., II. A III. díl, Brno, 1997..
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Slabý, O. a kol. (2025). Lékařská biologie. Brno.
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Snustad, D.P., Simmons, M.J. (2009). Genetika. Brno.
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Snustad, D.P., Simmons, M.J. (2017). Genetika. Brno.
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Turňa I., Stuchlík S., Drahovská H., Gálová Z., Timko J. (2004). Techniky rekombinantních DNA. Veda.
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