Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics

Course Introduction

• Course title: Introduction to Molecular Biology and Human Genetics
• Year level: 2
• Level: 3
• Lecture 1
• Instructor: Dr. Ezat Mersal
• College: Vision Collage of Medicine

Objectives

• Students will learn about the course
• Students will learn about the topics
• Students will learn how topics are taught
• Students will learn how students are assessed

Molecular Biology

• Molecular biology is a branch of biological science dealing with the structure and function of macromolecules (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids) essential to life
• It studies biology at the molecular level
• Includes DNA and RNA

Genes

• DNA is divided into information bytes called genes
• Each gene encodes a unique protein responsible for a specific function within the cell.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

• Gene expression is the process where genetic information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional protein product.
• This process includes: Transcription (DNA to mRNA), Translation (mRNA to Protein), and Replication (DNA to DNA).

Central Dogma of Molecular Genetics

• Genes to messenger to proteins
• DNA -> mRNA -> Protein
• Biological information flow

From Genes to Proteins

• Diagram of DNA, transcription to mRNA, and mRNA to Protein

Genetics

• Genetics is the study of genes, what they are, what they do, and how they work.
• Traits are expressed by genes, coded from small sections of DNA
• Humans have two sets of 23 chromosomes (one from each parent)

Genetics continued

• Genetics is the study of heredity
• Children inherit their biological parent's genes
• Heredity is the tendency for offspring to resemble their parents
• Variation is the tendency of offspring to differ from their parents

Genetic Concepts

• Heredity - How traits are passed from parents to children
• Genes - Small sections of DNA, are coded for specific traits
• Chromosomes - Genes are found on chromosomes
• Locus - Specific fixed position on a chromosome

Mendelian Inheritance

• Inherited traits are determined by genes passed from parents to children
• A child inherits two sets of genes (one from each parent)
• Copies (alleles) from each parent vary, and express different traits
• Traits not observable can be passed to the next generation

Terminology in Relation to Genetics

• Gene - Basic unit of inheritance
• Chromosome - Part of a cell with genetic information
• Locus - Location of a gene on a chromosome
• Allele - Different forms of a gene
• Genotype - Alleles at a locus
• Phenotype - Physically observable traits
• Homozygote - Alleles at a certain locus are the same
• Heterozygote - Alleles at a locus are different
• Polymorphism - When a site on a chromosome has multiple alleles
• Dominant - Mutation that only requires one copy
• Recessive - Mutation that requires two copies

Student's Guide

• Course Title: Molecular Biology & Human Genetics
• Course code: MBG 203
• Semester: First Semester 2024-2025

References

• This section lists various research papers and recommended reading materials.

This quiz introduces students to the basics of molecular biology and human genetics, covering essential concepts such as the structure and function of macromolecules, genes, and the central dogma of molecular biology. Designed for second-year medical students, it highlights important learning objectives and teaching methods in the course.