Bacterial Physiology - W 1400-215FB-W
Syllabus - overview: The lecture series embraces selected topics from the very broad domain of bacterial physiology.
Several main blocks can be distinguished in the lecture:
1. Cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria and archaea: structure, the systems of transport of substances through the membrane, pump multidrug resistance;
2. Structure and function of gram-negative bacteria cell envelopes : periplasmic space, the outer membrane;
3. Peptidoglycan - heteropolimer creating "exoskeleton" of bacteria:
3.1. Structure, stages of biosynthesis, structure and function of penicillin-binding proteins;
4. Structure and function of gram-positive bacteria cell envelopes - peptidoglycan of polymers associated with gram-positive bacteria;
5. Structure and function of the S-layer, capsules and slime layers;
6. Prokaryotic cytoskeletal proteins;
7. Structure and mechanism of action of bacteriocins, antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents;
8. Mechanisms of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents;
9. Bacterial enzymes involved in the hydrolysis and modification of murein (autolysins, de-N-acetylases, etc.);
10. The surface proteins, characterization and properties, relationship with architecture of peptidoglycan and teichoic acids;
11. Extracellular structures: the cilia and chemotaxis, and ways of moving bacteria, fimbriae, celusomes, fibrils;
12. Membrane vesicles of Gram-negative bacteria - properties and potential applications in medicine;
13. Mutual interactions between bacteria and the environment, including interactions between bacterial cells (e.g. quorum sensing), various microorganisms (e.g. biofilms) and between bacteria and higher organisms;
14. The soil as a reservoir of genes for resistance to antibiotics;
15. The search for new antibacterials - alternatives for antibiotics, vaccines, pro- and prebiotics;
16. Methods for the identification of bacteria and issues related to bioterrorism.
Type of course
elective courses
obligatory courses
optional courses
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Once you have mastered the material covered in lecture the student:
KNOWLEDGE
Knows and understands the biochemical, cellular and molecular bases of functioning of prokaryotic microorganisms and of their cellular structures as well as presents the most important functional relationships between the cellular components and between cells.
Has deep knowledge in chosen areas of microbiology.
Shows knowledge of the current state of knowledge in the main sectors of biotechnology and has knowledge of: terminology of natural science in microbiology (in Polish and English), the latest research, discoveries and their applications in biotechnology and medicine.
Shows knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of the functioning of microorganisms.
Is acquainted with basic applications of microbiology in socio-economic life.
ABILITIES
Shows the ability to use modern language (Polish or English) in sufficient detail to enable the use of electronic sources and research literature on widely microbiology.
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
Understands the phenomenon of biological, physical and chemical properties that occur in nature.
Is careful and critical about mass-media information concerning science and biotechnological achievements.
Feels the need of constant education and updating the knowledge concerning science.
Recognizes the importance of sharing the information on new achievements of microbiology and biotechnology and is able to pass this knowledge in a comprehensive way.
Assessment criteria
The condition for passing the exam is:
(i) accession to the written exam (26-28 open questions that require short answers);
(ii) obtaining at least 51% of the total number of points.
Practical placement
No.
Bibliography
1. Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. Springer-Verlag, New York, NY. 2nd Edition, vol. 1-5
2. Brock, Biology of Microorganisms. M.T. Madigan, J.H. Martinko, Eleventh edition, USA 2006.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: