Syllabus

Theory

Unit I: Genetic elements of microorganisms

Introduction and historical events of microbial genetics- structure of genetic element in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells - bacteria and yeast; enzymes related with DNA in bacteria – plasmids and types in bacteria.

Unit II: Phage genetics

Bacteriophage – DNA and RNA as genetic material – replication mechanisms – T2 phage, λ phage, M13, φx174 replications – lytic and lysogenic cycles.

Unit III: Genes and expression

Structure and functioning of genes in bacteria – operon concept – gene expression in bacteria – positive and negative regulation of gene expression.

Unit IV: Mutation

Wild and mutant strains – spontaneous mutation – induced mutation; types of mutations – mutagenic agents – physical, chemical and biological agents; DNA damage and repair in bacteria – transposons.

Unit V: Genetic recombination in bacteria and yeast genetics

Genetic recombinations in bacteria – principles and mechanisms - conjugation, Transformation, Transduction – generalized and specialized; Mechanisms and applications. Yeast Genetics: Mating types, Yeast plasmid, mitochondrial inheritance in yeast.

Practical

Study variability among bacteria; antibiotic resistance and differential carbon utilization; Isolation of plasmids from bacteria; megaplasmids from Rhizobium and Agrobacterium, Plasmid curing; Bacteriophages; Mutations – spontaneous – chemical – UV; transposon mutagenesis; bacterial transformation; conjugation; Genetic variability in fungi.