Template biosyntheses form the foundation of molecular biology and are key to understanding how genetic information is stored, copied, and expressed. The section begins with the chemical structure of nucleotides, DNA, RNA, and histone chromatin packaging. Building on this foundation, we analyze in detail the central dogma of molecular biology: replication, transcription (followed by RNA processing), and translation on ribosomes.
A significant portion of the materials is dedicated to how the cell controls these processes. You will study gene expression regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, hormonal control, the action of interferons, and mechanisms ensuring immense protein diversity (e.g., immunoglobulin gene rearrangements). We also examine "errors" and their correction: mutations, genetic polymorphism, and DNA repair systems.
In classes and exams, instructors traditionally focus on the enzymatic machinery of replication and translation, as well as applied medical topics. Therefore, pay special attention to the properties of the genetic code, PCR principles, hybridization, cloning, recombinant DNA technology, and modern approaches in DNA diagnostics and gene therapy.