Course detail

Basic Principles of Modern Biotechnologies

FCH-BC_ZMAcad. year: 2025/2026

Students will be introduced to biotechnological processes used for production of selected microbial, mammalian, hybridome and plant substances. Further, principles of fermentation procedures, separation of cells from media, dissintegration processes, separation techniques and purification of biomolecules will be discussed. As a part of this course basic methods of recombinant DNA technology: isolation and characterization of DNA and RNA, restriction endonucleases and other enzymes, cloning, polymerase chain reaction, gene mapping, methods of transformation, transformation vectors - plasmids, phages, cosmids, YAC will be introduced. Methods of identification of recombinant DNA will be explained. Gene expression in microbial (bacteria, yeast) and animal expression systems will be described including expression markers. Identification and purification of recombinant proteins (PAGE-SDS, Western blot, immunodetection) will be introduced too.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Mgr. Václav Brázda, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Physical and Applied Chemistry (ÚFSCH)

Entry knowledge

Biology, Biochemistry 1, Molecular biology

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Writing test and oral examination. Elaboration and presentation of seminary project.
Participation at lectures is recommended. Presence at seminars is obligatory.

Aims

Selection of biological system for production of nucleic acids, proteins and for gene engineering. Basic methods of recombinant DNA technology: isolation and characterization of DNA and RNA, restriction endonucleases and other enzymes, cloning, polymerase chain reaction, gene mapping, methods of transformation, transformation vectors - plasmids, phages, cosmids, YAC. Identification of recombinant DNA. Gene expression in microbial (bacteria, yeast) and animal expression systems, markers. Identification and purification of recombinant proteins (PAGE-SDS, Western blot, immunodetection).
Principles and theoretical basis of modern biotechnologies, mainly gene technologies and some kinds of their applications. Novel strategies in gene engineering.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Brazda V., Základy moderních biotechnologií – eLearningový kurz, 2020 (CS)

Recommended reading

Rossana M., Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Callisto Reference, 2018 (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BPCP_CHMA Bachelor's 3 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

13 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Mgr. Václav Brázda, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Basic terms of molecular genetics; structure and function of information macromolecules.
2. Methods of isolation and analysis of biomolecules
3. Transformation vectors, restriction endonucleases and other enzymes used to analysis and processing of nucleic acids.
4. Hybridization.
5. Methods of transformation, selection criteria of recombninants.
6. Clonning of DNA, polymerase chain reaction, use of PCR to clinical and food diagnostics.
7. Molecular analysis of genome - sequencing. Gene libraries.
8. Mutagenesis - random, site-specific.
9. Production, isolation and analysis of recombinant proteins.
10. Preparation of transgenic organisms, optimization of transgene expression.
11. Genetically modified microorganisms and their applications.
12. Transformation of higher organisms - plant, animals.

Seminar

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Mgr. Václav Brázda, Ph.D.