BOTA 42026

>< Type/ Status : Compulsory
>< Course title : Molecular and Microbial Genetics and Advanced Mycology
>< Prerequisite(s) : All core course units in Botany
>< Objectives: After completion of the course the student will be able to:
i. Understand the concepts of advanced molecular and microbial genetics and analyse how this knowledge is applied in modern approaches in this field.
ii. Develop skills in isolations and identification of fungi and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of important aspects of fungi and their economic value.
>< Course content:

Molecular & Microbial Genetics: Structure and organisation of eukaryotic chromosomes. Eukaryotic gene expression (transcription and RNA processing). Molecular basis of transformation and conjugation. Specialized transduction. Transcriptional regulation in bacteria. Genetic regulation in bacteriophage Lambda. DNA damage and repair mechanisms in bacteria. Transposable elements. Plasmids, vectors and restriction enzymes as tools in recombinant DNA technology. Techniques and applications in genetic engineering.

Advanced Mycology: Fungal physiology, fungal reproduction, fungal succession. Fungi as agent for biological control. Fungi exploiting microscopic animals. Symbiotic association of fungi (Mycorrhiza). Commercial potential of fungi. Food spoilage by fungi and it's prevention. Fungicides. Medical mycology. Advanced methods in isolation and identification of fungi.

>< Methodology: Lectures, tutorials and laboratory exercises.
>< Scheme of evaluation: End of course written examination. Practical assignments.
>< Recommended reading:
01. Lewin, B. (1997). Genes VI. Oxford University Press.
02. Griffiths, A J F; Miller, J H; Suzuka, D T and Gelbart W M (1996). An Introduction to Genetic Analysis. 6th Edition. W H Freeman.
03. Sambrook, J; Fritsch, E F and Maniatis, T (1989). Molecular Cloning. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
04. Podila, G K and Douds, D D eds (2000). Current advances in Mycorrhizae Research. APS Press. The American Phytopathological Society. St Paul, Minnesota.
05. Kendrick, B (1992). The fifth kingdom (second edition). Mycologue Publications, Focus Information Group.

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