General Info

courseProgram

1. Genome size and organisation:
- Comparing prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes: the C-value paradox described through examples of various Angiosperm plants;
- Forces influencing genome size and expansion-contraction mechanisms (unequal crossing-over; illegitimate recombination).
2. Types, abundance and organization of genic and non-genic sequences in the eukaryotic chromosome:
2.1. Non-gene sequences
- Telomeric, centromeric and intercalary highly repeated sequences; micro- and mini-satellites;
- Transposable elements (TE) in Eukaryotes: comparison with prokaryotic IS elements; classes of TE and relative mode of transposition di ET and abundance in various Eukaryotic genomes: DNA- and RNA-TE or retroelements; effect of TE on size and structure of Eukaryotic genomes; amplification of TE through intra- and inter-element unequal crossing-over;
2.2. Eukaryotic genes:
- Fine structure and structural variability (e.g. intron abundance and size) among taxa; exon re-shuffling and development of novel genes;
- Gene families and super-families: gene duplication and divergence (neo- and sub-functionalization); examples of the histone gene family, of resistance gene families in plants and of the human globin super-family.
3. Genome compartmentalization: mosaic organization (isochores) of the human genome and of plant genomes; “gene-rich” and “gene-poor” regions; TE as main components of inter-genic spaces; comparison between genetic and physical maps: “hot” and “cold” spots of recombination and their correlation with gene density and transcription.
4. Comparative genomics:
- Intergenomic and interspecific micro- and macro-synteny and colinearity; the “circle diagram” of grass genomes; levels of conservation: homoeologous chromosomes and orthologous genes;
- Chromosome rearrangements and disruption of synteny and colinearity: evidence from comparative mapping and comparative sequencing.
5. Evolution and adaptive mechanisms of plant genomes, with particular focus on polyploidy; rapid genome changes following the polyploidisation event: maintenance and elimination of duplicated genes/sequences: examples from natural and neo-synthesized Triticum polyploids; gene silencing.
6. Epigenetics and epigenomics: modifications of chromatin structure (chromatin remodelling) mediated by DNA methylation, histone methylation/acetylation, RNA molecules; epigenetic changes associated with polyploidization.
7. Plant genome manipulations aimed at practical applications
- Targets of manipulations for breeding purposes: utilisation of genetic variability outside the “target” species
- From the creation of amphidiploids to single chromosome addition and substitution lines to targeted interspecific transfer of chromosome segments (chromosome engineering) in agriculturally relevant plant species: strategies and case studies, with particular focus on Triticeae species (wheat and related species), Solanum spp., Medicago spp., Lolium-Festuca complex.

examMode

A PowerPoint presentation is usually proposed on a topic chosen by the student from those covered in the course. Of the chosen topic, the teacher provides 1-3 (typically 2) scientific articles, one of which generally consists of a "review", while the other deals with a specific aspect of the same topic. During the presentation, the teacher normally asks some in-depth questions, also related to other aspects of the program. The mark given takes into account the level of knowledge of the contents, the ability to analyse, summarise and connect, even interdisciplinary, the ability to think critically and the clarity of the exhibition.

books

- Teaching material (e.g. lesson slides) and scientific articles provided by the teacher and available on the institutional website;
- Additional scientific articles on students' request, both for the preparation of the exam test and for the deepening of aspects of specific, individual interest;
- Chapters selected from:
(in Italian)
Barcaccia - Falcinelli – Genetica e genomica (Liguori ed.), vol. I, II e III;
Hartwell et al. - Genetica - dall'analisi formale alla genomica (McGraw-Hill);
Russell PJ - Genetica: un approccio molecolare (Pearson)
(in English)
Grotewold E, Chappell J, Kellogg E.A. - Plant Genes, Genomes and Genetics, 2015- John Wiley & Sons, DOI:10.1002/9781118539385
Plant genome diversity - vol. 1 & 2 - Springer, 2012
Goldberg et al. - From genes to genomes - McGraw-Hill (2021-)
Russell PJ - iGenetics: A Molecular Approach: Pearson New International Edition (English Edition, 2013-)

classRoomMode

Attendance is not mandatory, but encouraged, above all to stimulate discussion, both on what the teacher has exposed, and on the scientific articles taken as reference and proposed by the teacher.

bibliography

In addition to the bibliography indicated in the "Testi" section, scientific articles on the main topics covered in the course will be recommended and made available to students.

courseProgram

The course will focus on hazard identification and safety procedures that are necessary for working in laboratories. Starting from detailed reports of major laboratory accidents, classes will engage students in investigating dangers and latent risks keeping in mind that such working contexts may involve unique hazardous scenarios. To do so, specific risks and accident modes will be covered while an extensive coverage of those tools that allow dynamic safety assessments will be provided.

More specifically, the following aspects related to lab working will be covered:
- Terms and definitions regarding safety aspects, accident examples;
- Chemical hazards;
- Biological hazards (agents and pathogens);
- Physical hazards (ergonomics, radiations, noise);
- Safety hazards (electricity, fire, explosions);
- System-related factors that affect lab working and that generate particualr pyschological responses from workers;
- The human factor and the effectiveness-thoroughness trade-off in lab working;
- The “cultures” of safety in work organisations and safety management systems;
- Risk analysis and safety assessment - countermeasures, personal protective equipment requirements and emergency procedures.

examMode

Written examination consisting of two questions: one mandatory question from the lecturer, one chosen by the candidate from two options proposed by the test. 15-20 lines is the expected length for each answer. Pass/fail are the only available results for the test.

books

Provided by the lecturer

classRoomMode

In-person classes, lessons recorded for academic year 2023/2024 are available

bibliography

Leveson, N.G. - System Safety Engineering: Back to the Future (2002) - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Leveson, N.G. - Engineering a Safer World - Systems Thinking Applied to Safety (2011) - MIT Press Cambridge, MA

courseProgram

Measurement units and conversions, stoichiometry, solutions and dilutions, acid-base reactions and titrations, buffer solutions and their preparation, chemical reaction set-up and monitoring. Daily laboratory practices; Utilization of precision devices; Introduction to the use of equipment in Molecular biology and Organic Chemistry laboratories: use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and microwave extraction systems; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) preparation and electrophoresis setup.

examMode

Multiple Choice Test

books

It is recommended to study the topics of the course using the lecturer's slides, made available on the Moodle platform. There are no specific reference texts as it is mainly a practical exam.

classRoomMode

Strongly recommended

courseProgram

- Introduction, history and aim of plant breeding, concept of ideotype.
- Biology of plant reproduction: floral morphology, macro and microsporogenesis, macro and microgametogenesis, pollination, progamic phase, fertilization, embryogenesis, seed and fruit development. Molecular biology of flowering induction and flower development, genes controlling inflorescence, flower and floral organs identity, ABC(DE) model. Mode of reproduction (sexual reproduction, vegetative propagation, apomixis), sex determination (hermaphroditism, monoecism, dioecism), mating system (autogamy and allogamy), experimental characterization of plant reproductive system and of outcrossing rate. Male sterility (genetic, cytoplasmic and genetic-cytoplasmic, functional and conditional). Self-incompatibility (sporophytic and gametophytic). Apomixis, cytoembryological bases, genetic control, breeding of obligate and facultative apomictic species, perspectives of transferring apomixis to sexual species. Fruit set and development, parthenocarpy, biotechnological approaches to control fruit set. Fruit ripening, mutants affected in ripening and in pigment accumulation.
- Sources of genetic variability: gene pool concept, germplasm collection and storage, seed banks, germplasm evaluation, variability induced by mutagenesis, somaclonal variation.
- Intra and interspecific cross, sexual interspecific barriers, biotechnologies to facilitate interspecific crossing, in vitro fertilization and embryo rescue.
- Theory of selection: principles of theory of selection for monogenic and polygenic characters, penetrance and expressivity.
- Genetic population structure in autogamous, allogamous, vegetatively propagated and apomictic species.
- Breeding schemes for autogamous species: selection in existing populations: mass selection and pure line selection. Selection in segregating populations: pedigree, bulk and single seed descent methods, double haploids. Backcross method to transfer a dominant and a recessive allele, linkage drag, principles of marker assisted selection, multiline varieties, F1 hybrids in autogamous species.
- Breeding schemes for allogamous species: mass selection, recurrent selection, synthetic varieties, F1 hybrids in allogamous species, use of male sterility in hybrid production schemes.
- Principles of genetics of seed production: evaluation of new varieties, subscription to the Register of Varieties, maintenance selection and seed production, isolation, generations of seed multiplication. Legislation related to seed production and marketing. Biotechnologies for the protection of plant varieties (molecular markers for distinctiveness), estimation of genic flux and gene flux containment in conventional and genetically modified varieties.

Seminars: students will be invited to attend one or two seminars focussing on technical and/or scientific aspects related to topics of the course.
Practical activities: practical activity will be dedicated to the knowledge of genetic variability in a crop species, to the examination of mutants involved in reproductive biology, to technicalities to carry out controlled crosses and to a visit to a company or experimental station involved in breeding and/or seed production of crop species.

examMode

The candidate should demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge in the field of plant breeding. The judgment and the final grade will take into account the knowledge and concepts acquired, the ability to analyze problems, to connect interdisciplinary knowledge, mastery and clarity of expression and exposure: The exam will be oral.
The exam will generally consist on the discussion of three topics, of which one to be chosen by the candidate, that cover the three areas of the program, biology of crop plant reproduction, schemes and methods of plant breeding, seed production and legislation.

books

Barcaccia G. e Falcinelli M., Genetica e genomica, vol. II, 2005, Miglioramento genetico, Liguori.
Lorenzetti F. et al., Miglioramento genetico delle piante agrarie, 2018, Edagricole.
Ciriciofolo E. e Benincasa, Sementi: Biologia, produzione e tecnologia, 2018 Edagricole.
Material from the lecturer through the portal.

classRoomMode

Attending the course is not compulsory, but strongly recommended

bibliography

Additional materials related to several topics of the program will be indicated by the lecturer during classes and will be then available on Moodle.

courseProgram

- Introduction – market of food enzymes and starter cultures; EU regulations
- Microbial biomasses and industrial starter cultures production
- Primary and secondary metabolites
- Complex products
- Enzymatic catalysis
- Biotechnological applications to the agri-food chains of: Bread and bakery products; Malt and beer; Still and sparkling wines; milk, cereals, legumes and dried fruit based fermented foods; Coffee; Cocoa.

examMode

Ongoing tests: multiple choice test;
Final exam: oral discussion on different topics
The determination of the final grade will take into account: the level of knowledge of the contents demonstrated (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and in-depth), the ability to apply theoretical concepts (fair, good, well-established), the ability to analyze , of synthesis and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), of the capacity for critical sense and formulation of judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), of the mastery of expression (lack of exposition, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct).

books

- Lecture notes
- Advances in Food Biotechnology, Wiley
- Fundamentals of Food Biotechnology, 2nd Edition, Wiley
- Food Biotechnology, Springer
- Biotecnologie alimentari, Piccin

mode

The lessons will be both theoretical and practical and will favor the active participation so that students can acquire and apply, with advanced and specialized skills, the management of industrial use of food microorganism and enzyme and, at the same time, be able to carry out self-learning activities in the classroom and in the laboratory. Through this approach, teaching also intend to perfect the mastery of the theoretical and critical tools necessary for the analysis and interpretation of the operational specificities in different food processes.

classRoomMode

Optional

bibliography

None

courseProgram

The course focuses on the study of different families of natural organic substances derived from the acetate, shikimate and mevalonate pathway. Of each of these, structural aspects, properties, biological activities and applications in agronomy, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals are explored. Among the classes of secondary metabolites, the phenolic substances and, among the various biological activities, the antioxidant activity are particularly explored. The techniques of extraction, purification and structural characterization of natural substances are also studied. Seminars given by colleagues from outside the University of Tuscia on topics relevant to the program are scheduled during the course. Exercises and/or teaching visits are, in addition, planned.

examMode

At the end of the course, students take a written exam consisting of three open-ended questions covering all topics discussed. Additionally, they deliver a PowerPoint presentation on a topic of their choice related to a molecule, a family of natural substances, or an analytical method covered in the entire program. The article or review used for the presentation is selected by the student and can be submitted to the instructor for approval before preparing the PowerPoint.
Evaluation criteria include depth of knowledge, mastery of language, clarity of presentation, ability for critical analysis and synthesis, both for the written exam and the PowerPoint presentation.

books

Medicinal Natural Products. Paul M Dewick, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

classRoomMode

Recommemded

bibliography

Selected scientific articles (sources: Scopus, Web of Science)

courseProgram

The course aims to guide students in acquiring the knowledge to systematically integrate Euro-project methodologies with Project Management techniques:

1. Formulation: methods for applying PM techniques from the formulation phase to better define the managerial elements of the proposal (e.g., timeline planning, risks) and efficiently manage the proposal writing phase (respecting time, cost, and quality constraints).
2. Implementation: application of PM for more effective management of funded projects, strengthening aspects such as resource management, quality, and risks not fully covered by the LFA alone.

The first part of the program provides an overview of how European Union funding works and its multiannual programming frameworks (Context Knowledge: EU, Strategies, Multiannual Financial Framework). The second part of the program addresses the more operational topics of project writing and management (Project Cycle Management, Project Management, and related knowledge areas).

To complete the knowledge acquisition, a focus will be dedicated to soft skills, particularly project stakeholder management.

examMode

Assessment consists of two main components:
• Initial diagnostic test, designed to help the lecturer assess students’ prior knowledge. This test does not affect the final grade.
• Final examination, divided into two parts:
1. a written test including both closed- and open-ended questions on the course contents;
2. a project proposal simulation, developed in groups (maximum four students per group), aimed at evaluating the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to practical cases.

books

Material provided by the teacher

classRoomMode

Not mandatory but suggested due to the nature of the topics

bibliography

Material provided by the teacher

courseProgram

Introduction to the course, overview of the syllabus, how the exam is conducted, assignment of case studies
General concepts of plant pathology and Summary of the main phytopathogens: bacteria, phytoplasmas, fungi, oomycetes, viruses
General concepts of struggle and "conventional" struggle: agronomic, genetic, legislative, with synthetic chemistry
Definition of organic farming, regulation and legislation, the program of the European Green Deal and how to set up new methods of struggle
Defense mechanisms of plants
Mechanisms of antagonism
Use of natural substances with antimicrobial action and elicitors
Use of nanotechnologies: direct antimicrobial action, as carrier of active substances and nucleic acids
Gene delivery for plant resistance
Predictive models and phenomics
Diagnostics

examMode

A case study will be assigned to each student, who will have to prepare a power point presentation to be exhibited during the exam date.

books

Teacher's slides, scientific articles recommended by the teacher

mode

Lectures, laboratory

classRoomMode

Not mandatory

bibliography

Teacher's slides, scientific articles recommended by the teacher