• DNA replication
• DNA repair
• index

Unit organization

The unit is divided into 2 sections:

• DNA Replication
• DNA Repair

Each section is comprised of few video recorded lectures, corresponding to text and figures found in the pages linked to each section, and also some optional recommended reading/seeing/listening links or refs that will be pointed out where appropriate. On the same platform hosting the video lectures and on some of the linked pages exercises and quizzes for self assessment are provided, that should be used to confirm the learning outcomes have been reached.

Students are expected to watch to the recorded lectures or/and read the text version (whichever is more convenient) and explore the links that are provided. Some of the linked pages may also contain exercises that must be solved in order to successfully participate to the group acivities.

List of the Learning Outcomes -
as part of individual (I) or group activity (G) as indicated

By completing this unit you will be able to:

• DNA Replication

  • (I) - describe the enzymatic activities of DNA polymerases
  • (I) - describe the enzymatic activities of other DNA replication-related enzymes
  • (I) - relate each enzymatic activity to the relevant step in the replication process
  • (I) - describe the evidence for the semiconservative model of DNA repl.
  • (I) - describe the structure and function of a replication origin (ori)
  • (I) - describe the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ori's
  • (I) - describe the principal steps of DNA replication
  • (I) - explain the mechanisms to synchronize DNA replication and cell proliferation (or cell cycle) in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
  • (G) - discuss the differences in the quantitative control of DNA replication in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
  • (G) - relate the DNA replication to the 3D chromatin organization
  • (G) - identify potential critical points and potential useful outcomes of the need to decondense the whole genome while replication is in progress

• DNA Repair

  • (I) - describe the principal chemical damages to DNA
  • (I) - explain how the chemical damage could affect the function of DNA
  • (I) - discuss how this was used to show that the chemical structure of DNA is related to genetic information (must recollect unit 1 concepts of gene definition)
  • (I) - describe the principal mechanisms of damage recognition
  • (I) - describe the principal pathways of DNA repair
  • (I) - describe the logic underlying the mechanism of genetic segregation in mitosis and meiosis
  • (I) - describe the molecular structures and the components involved as a mechanical machinery
  • (G) - relate DNA repair to other metabolic aspects of DNA
  • (G) - discuss how factors common to 2 or more pathways represent useful crossroads and why this strategy could be useful
  • (G) - discuss the regulatory network necessary to carry on the mechanical steps AND to fulfill the quantitative and qualitative requirements of DNA replication/mitosis/caryokinesis at the same time