Molecular Virology 1400-216WIRM
Description of the lecture:
- Definition of the virus. Classification and taxonomy of viruses
- Virosphere and ecological significance of viruses
- Viral particles in the host cell. Lysogeny, the state of latency and lytic cycle
- Structure of the viral particles, the versatility viral proteins
- Mechanisms of virus entry into host, bacterial or eukaryotic cells. Strategies of virus escape from the host.
- Viral genomes - chemical nature, structure and organization. Strategies to increase genetic capacity.
- Mechanisms of replication of viral genomes
- Expression of the viral genetic information: transcription and translation. Mechanisms governing these processes.
- Pathogenicity mechanisms and strategies for taking control over the host process.
- Variability of the viruses, the evolution of viruses and new emerging viruses.
- Atypical forms and subviral particles (satellites, viroids, prions).
- Current threats from viruses (influenza virus, Ebola virus, Zika virus, etc.).
Description of laboratory classes:
The student works alone or in a team. During classes basic and advanced techniques are used:
- Propagation, counting and identification of virulent bacteriophages (T7 and M13) or temperate bacteriophages (HP1 and lambda)
- Methods to identify the virulent or temperate nature of phages
- Typing of bacteria using viruses
- Identification of lysogenic bacteria. Lysogenic conversion, the impact of prophage sequences on pathogenicity towards host cells
- Identification of the presence of bacterial host defenses against viral infection: restriction-modification systems and abortive infection
- Isolation of viral particles
- Isolation of bacteriophage genomic DNA (double and single stranded)
- Transfection of bacterial genetic material of viruses
- The use of viral regulatory elements (eg. promotor), and viral enzymes in molecular biology and biotechnology
- Phage Display Technique as a method of investigation of interactions between proteins, bioinformatic analysis of results
- The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for the detection of viral infections.
- Creation of HP1 phage genomic DNA fragment library in plasmid vector. The project includes: induction of phage particles from Haemophilus influenzae lysogenized with HP1 bacteriophage, isolation of the genetic material of the virus, recombination of DNA (restriction enzyme digestion and ligation), transformation of bacterial cells of Escherichia coli, selection of the appropriate clones, plasmid DNA isolation of selected recombinants and restriction analysis (creation of restriction maps).
Type of course
Mode
Requirements
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Having completed the course and the lab the student:
KNOWLEDGE
Is familiar with the rules of research planning, up-to-date techniques of data collection and the use of various research tools, including that used in microbiology, biotechnology and virology
Has up-to-date knowledge in the main areas of virology including the scientific terminology concerning virology, the most recent researches, discoveries and applications in biotechnology, medicine and agriculture.
Has a strong knowledge in the field of biotechnology of microorganism and virology. He/she understands and notices the complexity of processes that occur in nature and which resolving must be based on intradisciplinary work, based on empirical data
Has the knowledge of genetic and functional variability of viruses
Notices dynamic advancement in biological sciences and development of new research areas. He/she identifies the most important trends in the field of virology and studied area
Knows and understands the rules and the molecular mechanisms of virus replication
Knows the basis of planning and performing the genetic modifications on the biological material
Has the knowledge about OSH and ergonomic rules, that are necessary for the safe work in microbiological and virus laboratory
ABILITIES
Uses broadly understood basic and advanced molecular techniques in the field of virology and molecular biology
Is able to read scientific and non-scientific biological literature in modern language (Polish or English) and is able to critical analysis and selection of electronic sources concerning the field of virology
Assisted, is able to plane and perform experiences by application of known techniques of virology or molecular biology. He/she is able to propose the methods of measurements
Is able to work on a problem in virology field, using different data such as literature or empirical data, with criticism. He/she is able to interpret all data and formulate his/her own conclusions and deductions
Has competences to work in a team and performing basic projects in the field of virology
Is able to learn alone with little assistance
SOCIAL AWARENESS
Is responsible for the research which has been assigned to him/her, for his/her own laboratory work and other people’s work. Takes care of equipment.
Uses objective sources of scientific knowledge. Is careful and critical when acquiring and interpreting knowledge available in mass media in the field of virology and biotechnology
Needs to continuously learn and up-to-date his/her knowledge by reading scientific and non scientific papers in the field of virology and generally in biotechnology. She/he understands the need to upgrade his competences
Is able to effectively work in a team
Understands the need for informing the public about latest achievements in virology, molecular biology and biotechnology and is able to pass this knowledge in an intelligible way
Assessment criteria
Lecture
The final grade is the exam. The examination of people who have opted for the lecture laboratory classes will take place after obtaining the positive grade of the laboratory part. The written exam consists of open questions. Passing the test requires a minimum of 51% of the maximum number of points that can be got.
Laboratory classes
Criteria for evaluation are: (i) attendance; (ii) a written control test. Passing the test (consisting of open questions) requires (i) not more than 2 absences from laboratory classes; (ii) obtain a minimum of 51% of the number of points that can be got on the control test
Practical placement
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Bibliography
Piekarowicz A (2004) Podstawy Wirusologii Molekularnej, PWN
Flint et al. (2009) Principles of Virology, ASM Press
Goździcka-Józefiak (2019) Wirusologia, PWN
http://viralzone.expasy.org/
Bibliography is provided during the lecture and laboratory
Notes
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Term 2023L:
None |
Term 2024L:
None |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: