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
After mastering the material covered in the lectures and exercises, the student:
KNOWLEDGE
Demonstrates knowledge that experimentation is the basis of scientific understanding of the
world (K_W02 Bl1, K_W05 Bt2).
Demonstrates knowledge of the basic structure, genetics, and functioning of viruses, their role
in nature, and the interactions between viruses and living organisms (K_W07 Bl1).
Demonstrates knowledge of research planning principles and knows various research
techniques and tools used in microbiology, biotechnology, and virology (K_W13 Bl2).
Demonstrates knowledge of the current state of knowledge in major fields of virology; has
knowledge regarding virological terminology, the latest research, discoveries, and their
applications in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture (K_W03 Bl2, K_W03 Bt2, K_W12
Bl1).
Has in-depth knowledge in selected areas of microbial biotechnology and virology, and
understands and recognizes the complexity of natural processes and phenomena whose
investigation requires an interdisciplinary, data-driven approach (K_W01 Bl2).
Knows the structural, genetic, and functional diversity of viruses (K_W03 Bl2).
Knows the basic laboratory, measurement, and imaging techniques used in microbiological,
virological, and molecular biology research (K_W14 Bl1).
Recognizes the dynamic development of natural sciences and the emergence of new research
disciplines, and identifies the most important development trends in virology within their field
of study (K_W18 Bl2).
Possesses knowledge of occupational health and safety principles and ergonomic rules
ensuring safe work in microbiology and virology laboratories (K_W09 Bl1, K_W17 Bl1).
SKILLS
Selects and applies basic and advanced research techniques and tools appropriate for broadly
understood virology and molecular biology (K_U01 Bt2).
Proficiently uses scientific and popular-science biological texts in a modern language (Polish
and English), demonstrating the ability to critically analyze and select
information—especially from electronic sources and media—related to virology (K_U02
Bt1).
Is able, under the supervision of a scientific mentor, to plan and perform an experiment using
learned virological and molecular biology methods; can propose methods for performing
indicated assays (K_U04 Bt1).
Is able to critically analyze a selected problem in virology based on literature data and results
of own research, collecting empirical data, interpreting them, and formulating own opinions
and conclusions (K_U07 Bt1).
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
Demonstrates the ability to work in a team while carrying out basic research projects in
virology (K_K04 Bt1, K_K07 Bl1).
Demonstrates responsibility for the entrusted scope of research tasks, as well as for their own
work and the work of others (K_K03 Bt1, K_K03 Bt2).
Has the habit of using objective sources of scientific information and shows caution and
critical thinking when receiving virology-related information presented in mass media and in
the context of biotechnological achievements (K_K04 Bt2).
Feels the need for continuous education and updating of knowledge using scientific and
popular-science sources related to virology and biotechnology in general, and understands the
need for constant improvement of professional competences (K_K06 Bt2, K_K07 Bt2,
K_K04 Bl1).
Understands the need to fulfill an educational role in society based on knowledge and skills in
virology, molecular biology, and biotechnology (K_K06 Bt1).
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 2024L:
None |
Term 2025L:
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Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: