BIOL-422 INTRODUCTORY BIOTECHNOLOGY-

UNIT I-

Introduction to Biomolecules: Definition, general classification and important functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, Nucleic Acids: Structure of DNA and RNA, DNA replication, translation and transcription.

UNIT II-

Enzymes as biocatalysts: General characteristics, nomenclature and classification of Enzymes, Effect of temperature, pH, enzyme and substrate concentrations on the activity of enzymes, Elementary concept of cofactors and coenzymes.

UNIT III-

Microbial System and Biotechnology: Types of microbes and their properties; Basic concepts, scope and achievements in biotechnology, Significance of genetic engineering, Tools used in biotechnology, Elementary knowledge of Recombinant DNA Technology, Bio-informatics and Genomics.

UNIT IV-

Gene libraries: Construction and screening of genomic DNA library and cDNA library, Construction and use of cloning vectors, Modes of gene transfer, Molecular markers: RAPD, RFLP, SSLP, AFLP, VNTR, SSR, SNP STR, SFP, DArT and RAD

UNIT V-

Applications of Biotechnology in Agriculture, Medicine and Environment: an elementary knowledge, Biotechnology in paper industry, biofertilizers, bioinsecticides, sewage treatment using microbial system, Application of genetically engineered microbes, Prospects and public perception of Biotechnology.

PRACTICALS:

ï‚· Introduction to lab equipment: Autoclave, Laminar Air Flow, Microscope,
ï‚· Sterilization techniques: Dry and Hot,
ï‚· Electrophoresis: Types and instrumentation,
ï‚· Preparation of plant tissue culture media, Isolation and staining of bacteria, DNA detection by gel electrophoresis

BOOKS RECOMMENDED:

  1. Cell Biology and Genetics, 9th edition. Starr, C. and Taggard; R. (2001) Thomson Learning USA.
  2. Life Science of Biology, 6th edition, Purves W.K.; Sadava, D.; Orians, G.H. and Heller, H.C. (2001). W.H. Freeman & company, USA.
  3. Basic Biotechnology, Ignacimuthu, S.J. (2002) Tata McGraw-Hill Pub., New Delhi
  4. Genes VII, Lewis Benjamin (2002). Oxford Univ. Press Oxford.
  5. Biotechnology, 3rd Edition. Smith, J.E. (2003) Cambridge University Press.