2022/23
28920 - Biotechnology
583 - Degree in Rural and Agri-Food Engineering
Compulsory
4.3. Syllabus
The course will address the following topics:
Block I. Foundations and techniques
Unit 1. Introduction and overall context
Concept and evolution of biotechnology
White biotechnology
Red biotechnology
Green biotechnology
Biotechnology as a business – patents
Unit 2. Foundations of biotechnological progress – biochemistry and molecular biology
Biotechnological molecules
Proteins
Nucleic acids
Molecular genetics
Unit 3. Tools and techniques of molecular genetics (I)
Isolation and purification of nucleic acids
The first tools: endonucleases
Genetic transformation
Cloned DNA and recombinant DNA
Vectors for storing DNA – gene library
In-vitro replication – polymerase chain reaction
Unit 4. Tools and techniques of molecular genetics (II)
Electrophoresis of DNA
Real time PCR, quantitative PCR
Isothermal amplification of DNA
Reverse transcription
DNA sequencing
Unit 5. Genomic tools
Genome projects
Genes and genomes
Bioinformatics.
Next generation sequencing. Resequencing genomes
Unit 6. Proteins and proteomics
Purification and electrophoresis of proteins
Sequencing proteins
ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Enzyme production and industrial applications
Block II. Plant biotechnology
Unit 7. In-vitro culture of plant tissues and organs
Introduction – concept and conditioning factors
Foundations – cell totipotency and development
Phytohormones
Somatic embryogenesis
Plant organogenesis
Unit 8. Applications of plant micropropagation
Multiplication of plants
Plant propagation on an industrial scale
In-vitro production of plant metabolites
In-vitro conservation - cryopreservation
Applications in plant genetic improvement
Unit 9. Genetic engineering of plants
What is a transgenic plant?
Genetic constructs for transforming plants
Methods of plant transformation
Confirmation of the transformation
Applications of transgenic plants
Block III. Animal biotechnology
Unit 10. Biotechnology of animal reproduction I – detection and synchronization of estrus
Estrus detection techniques
Estrus induction and synchronization techniques
Unit 11. Biotechnology of animal reproduction II – artificial insemination
Semen assembly methods
Semen quality assessment
Semen storage and preservation
Insemination techniques
Conditioning factors of the successful reproduction after insemination
Unit 12. Biotechnology of animal reproduction III – embryonic technologies
MOET programs
In-vitro production of embryos
Unit 13. Applications of biotechnology in animal genetic improvement – animal genetic engineering
Imbalance of linkage and selection
Gene and marker assisted selection
Genomic selection
Genome manipulation in animal genetic improvement
Transgenesis as a tool in animal production
Unit 14. Biotechnological applications in animal feed
Production and use of additives (enzymes, bacteria, yeasts, etc.) for animal feed
Production and use of synthetic amino-acids
Unit 15. Biotechnological applications in animal diagnosis and health
Hormonal diagnosis
Diagnosis of diseases
Vaccine production
Content of practical sessions
1. Protocol in the laboratory of plant biotechnology. Tools and equipment – security and hygiene – protocols –preparation of basic solutions of molecular biology
2. Preparation of media for bacteria culture.
3. Isolation of DNA from plant leaves.
4. Amplification of DNA through PCR.
5. Electrophoresis of DNA.
6. Bioinformatics in plant genetics- Data bases - Design of primers.
7. In-vitro plant production – organogenesis in tomato.
8. In-vitro plant production – micropropagation of potato.
9. Protocol in the laboratory of animal biotechnology. Tools and equipment – security and hygiene – protocols –preparation of basic solutions
10. Spermiogram (1) – classic assessment.
11. Spermiogram (2) – new semen analysis techniques.
12. Oocyte extraction and in-vitro embryo production.
13. Sex determination. Sperm sexing and sex determination in sperms and embryos
14. HUMECO Journey of Animal Reproduction.
15. Preservation of gametes and embryos.