I SEMESTER

PAPER 1.01 PRINCIPLES OF CELL BIOLOGY  

Biology of Cancer
Metabolic pathways and their regulation.
14. Biosynthesis of proteins in Eukaryotic cell, co- and post- translational  modifications, intracellular protein traffic.
Cellular basis of differentiation and development-mitosis, gametogenesis and fertilization.
Development in Drosophila and Arabidopsis, Spatial and temporal .regulation of Gene expression.

PAPER- 1.02 : BIOMOLECULES AND BIOCHEMICAL TECHNIQUES

PART-A: BIOMOLECULES

Part - B Biochemical  Techniques

Principles and uses  of analytical instruments Balances. pH meter, Colorimeter, Spectrophotometer.  Ultracenterifuge. Densitometic Scanner, Spectrofluorometer, chemiluminometers, ddc3Radiouactivity counters. Differential scanning calorimeter.

Microscopy: Principle of light. transmission. electron, phase contrast, fluorescence, electron cryo, confocal, scanning electron microscopes. Microphotography, Image analysers.

Separation techniques in Biology:  Molecular separations by chromatography,
 electrophoresis, precipitation etc., Organelle separation by centrifugation  affinity adsorption, anchorage based  techniques etc.

Immunological techniques based on antigen-antibody interactions.   

Paper - 1.03 Bioinformatics, computer Applications and Biostatistics

Part - A : Bioinformatics

Overview  of bioinformatics-  Databases types.

Genomics and the genome project. Computer tools for sequence analysis; finding and retrieving sequences, similarity searching.

Pairwise and multiple alignment.

Structure and function relationships.

Sequencing and sequence assembling using computers, Phylogenetics

PART- B: COMPUTER APPLICATIONS AND BIOSTATISTICS

 Brief description and tabulation of data and its graphical representation.

 Measures if central tendency and dispersion: mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, variance. Idea of two types of errors and levels of significance (F & T test), Chi-square tests.

Simple linear regression and correlation

Introduction to digital computers: Organization; low-level and high-level languages, binary number.

Flow charts and programming techniques

Introduction to programming in Q Basis: and C

Introduction to data structures and database concepts, introduction to internet and  application.

Introduction to MS-OFFICE software, covering Word Processing, Spreadsheets and presentation software

Introduction to Haward Graphics/Corel Draw

Computer-Oriented Statistical Techniques; Frequency table of single discrete 4 hrs r variable, Bubble sort, Computation of mean, variance and standard deviation; t-test, correlation coefficient.   

PAPER 1.04: GENE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Genetic material: Discovery and Demonstration of Genetic material, Nature of the Genetic material-DNA and RNA, Chemical composition of DNA, RNA and Prions Organization of DNA in chromosomes Structural characteristics of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic chromosomes, Sequence complexity of Eukaryotic chromosomes.

Extranuclear inheritance: Organization of extra nuclear genomes, Rules of extranuclear inheritance; Maternal effect Ephestia pigmentation, Limnaea coiling, Embryonic development in Drosophila; Organelle heredity Chloroplast genome(Variegation in 4' 0 clock plants, Jojap in maize); Mitochondrial genome (Poky in Neurospora, Petite in Saccharomyces); Infectious heredity- Kappa in Paramecium, Infective particles in Drosophila.  

Chromosome mechanics: DNA replication in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes, Overview of t Transcription in Prokaryotes, Overview of translation in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes- Structure and functions of mRNA, tRNA and rRNA, The genetic code and translation of the genetic message, Genetic Recombination Mechanisms- crossing over involver breakage and reunion of DNA (Holliday and Fox model for recombination), Mismatch repair and Gene conversion.

Mutation: Random versus adaptive mutation- Replica plating, The Luria-Delbruck, f Fluctuation test, Adaptive mutation in bacteria (Cairn's Experiment), classification of  mutations- Spontaneous versus induced mutation, Gametic versus Somatic mutations, other categories of mutations; Detection of mutations- Detection in bacteria Fungi, Drosophila, Plants and Human, Spontaneous mutation rate; Molecular basis of mutation -Tautomeric shifts, Base analogues, Alkylating agents, Acridine dyes and Frameshift mutations, Apurinic sites and other lesions, UV radiation, Thymine dimers, the SOS response, The Ames test; Mutagenesis- Chemical alteration in nucleotide structure, Additional lesions caused by chemical mutagens; Site Directed Mutagenesis- Repair and mis repair, mechanisms, Mutations and Anti mutatar mutations.

Regulation of gene expression: Regulatjon of gene expression in Bacteria -Gene regulation and lactose metabolism in E. coli, Tryptophan Operon in E. coli; Regulation of gene expression in Bacteriophage (Lambda); Regulation of gene expression and development in Eukaryotes. 

PAPER 1.05: PRACTICAL-I

CELL BIOLOGY AND GENETICS

Vital staining of mitochondria.

Meiosis : Study of meiotic stages of a grasshopper testis (Poecilocera/D.xya sps.)

Special chromosomes: Preparation of Dipteran larval (Drosophila or Chironomous sps.) salivary gland chromosomes and study of naturally occurring inversion polymorphism.

Demonstration and Identification of a few sperms: An insect, Amphibian, Crustacean and mammalian sperms.

Study of Drosophila life cycle and its external morphology.

Study of phenotypic variations of certain mutants and their linkage analysis in Drosophila.

Identification of human blood groups.

Study of X -chromatin in humans and some Genetic problems.   

PAPER 1.06: PRACTICAL-II

BIOCHEMICAL TECHNIQUES

Determination of Iso-Electric PHof a protein and an ammino acid.

Fractionation and estimation of proteins-Biuret/ Bradford's method.

Estimation of the presence of amino acid, glycogen, phosphate and cholesterol.

Estimation of RNA and DNA inappropriate tissues (Orcinol andPiphenyl amine method).

Study of Isozyme separation by Electrophoresis (SDS P .A.G.E. Technique).   

Study of Sodium, Potassium-ATPase activity in various tissues.

Estimation of Acetylcholine Esterases(AchE) activities in various tissues    

II-SEMESTER

PAPER- 2.01:  BIOLOGY AND GENETICS OF DEVELOPMENT

Fundamental process and concepts: -In Development, Differentiation, Oogenesis and Spermatogenesis, Hormonal regulation.   

Fertilization: Activation of sperm motility, Attraction to egg, Sperm penetration to egg  surface, Fusion of sperm and egg nuclei.

Cleavage: Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis and their regulation, Molecular events in organization and preparation during cleavage.   

Morphogenesis: Differentiation, Individual cell movements, Cytoskeletal movements, during differentiation Molecular events, Significance of maternal and Embryonic RNAs,Role in tissue and organ system differentiation.

Functional analysis of genome equivalence: Genetic regulation of development and nuclear transplantation experiments in Amphibians, Post embryonic nuclei, Mitotic incompatibility and mitotic adaptation, Nuclear reprogramming.   

Programmed cell death: Apoptopsis, Characterization of PCD in Caenorhabditis elegans if and Drosophila.

Developmental Genetics: Cell fate and pattern formation: Cell fate, Totipotency and other features, Pattern formation (Establishn1ent of basic body plan). Mutational and molecular analysis of the basic body plan. Communication between cells and the establishn1ent of cell  fate. Homeoitic mutations and the establishn1ent of segment identity. Application of Fly and Worm plans to other organisms.   

Gene expression during development: Developmental regulation in Drosophila and C. elegans

PAPER 2.02 : BIOLOGY OF SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION   

Introduction: Experimental systems in Cell Biology.

Biomembranes: Molecular composition and arrangement, functional consequences, Transport across cell membrane-Diffusion, active transport and pumps, uniports, symports and antiports, Membrane potential, Co-transport by symporters or antiporters, Transport across epithelia.

Cytoskeleton: Microfilaments and  Microtubules-structure and dynamics, Microtubules and mitosis, Cell movements-intracellular transport, role and Kinesin and dynein, signal transduction mechanisms. Cilia and Flagella.

Genome organization: Hierarchy in organization, Chromosomal organization of genes and non-coding DNA, Mobile DNA, Morphological and functional events of Eukaryotic chromosomes, Phylogenetic inference- Distance methods, parsimony methods, maximum likelihood methods, Immunological techniques, Amino acid sequences and phylogeny, Nucleic acid phylogeny- DNA-DNA hybridizations, Restriction Enzyme sites, Nucleotide sequence comparisons and homologies, Molecular clocks.

Cell-Cell signalling: Cell surface receptors, Second messenger system, MDP kinase pathways, Signalling from plasma membrane to nucleus.

Cell-Cell adhesion and communication: Ca++ dependent homophilic cell-cell adhesion, Ca++ independent homophilic cell-cell adhesion, Gap iunctions and connexins.

Cell matrix adhesion: Integrins, Collagen, Non-collagen components, Auxin & Cell expansion, Cellulose fibril synthesis and orientation. 

Cell cycle: Cyclines and cyclin dependent kinases, Regulatiol;l ofCDK-cycline activity.3 hrs

Intracellular signalling: Steroid receptors, Tissue specific gene expression.

PAPER 2.03 EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Concept of Evolution and theories of organic evolution with emphasis on Darwinism.

Neo-Darwinism: Hardy-Weinberg law of genetic equilibrium; A detailed account of  establishing forces-(I) Natural selection (ii) Mutation (iii) Genetic drift (iv) Migration (v) Meiotic drive. 

Molecular population genetics: Patterns of change in nucleotide and amino acid sequences; Ecological significance of molecular variation's; Emergence of Non-Darwinism.

Genetics of Speciation: Phylogeny and biological concepts of species; Patterns and mechanism of reproductive isolation; Models of speciation.

Origin of higher categories: Phylogenetic gradualism and punctuated equilibrium; Major trends in the origin of higher categories; Micro and MacroEvolution. 

Molecular Phylogenetics: Construction of Phylogenetic tree; Phylogenetic interference- Distance method, Parsimony method, maximum likelihood method; Immunological techniques; Amino acid sequences and phylogeny; Nucleic acid phylogeny-DNA- RNA i hybridization, Restriction enzyme sites, Nucleotide sequence-comparisons and homologies; Molecular clocks.

Population genetics and Ecology: Metapopulations, Monitoring natural populations, Why small populations -become extinct? Loss of genetic variations, Conversion of genetic resources in diverse taxa.

PAPER 2.04 CYTOGENETICS

Cytogenetics: Chromosome structure including ultra structure. Chromatin structure and functions. Various models suggested for chromosome organization.

Chromosome types: Mitotic, meiotic and specialized chromosomes -Lampbrush, polytene and supernumerary.

Chromosomal rearrangements: Occurrence and mechanisms Evolution of chromosome numbers and chromosome forms. Polyploidy origin and induction -Types, role in breeding and evolution. Abnormalities in chromosome structure -Deletion, Duplication, Translocation and Deficience. Role of chromosomal variations in insect control and evolution.

Genetics of sex determination: Origin of sex. Sex determining mechanisms -Environmental and Chromosomal. Evolution of multiple sex chromosomes (recent advances).

Role of chromosomes in evolution: Polytene chromosome polymorphisms -Some animal examples. Role of chromosomes and heterochromatin in chromosome differentiation and in evolution of species. 

PAPER 2.05: PRACTICAL -III: DEVELOPMENTAL GENETICS. 

Study of the early development of frog and chick.

Mounting and study of whole mounts of chick embryos during development.

Morphogenetic movements in chick: In vitro experiments.

Extra -embryonic membranes in chick.

Organogeny in chick and pig. 

PAPER 2.06: PRACTICAL -IV: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & CYTOGENETICS 

Detailed studies of meiosis in case of Laccotrephes and Sphaerodema testis.

Study of polytene chromosomal polymorphism with special reference to occurrence of  inversions of salivary gland chromosomes of DrQ:,c'phila/Chironomus/Mosquitoes.

Feulgen staining and DNA in a protozoan example.

Methyl green- pyronin staining to localize nucleic acids in an appropriate animal tissue.

Toluidine- blue staining for both DNA and RNA.

StaiStudies of absorption spectra of nucleic acids and proteinsning of carbohydrates using PAS reagent in protozoan examples.  

THIRD SEMESTER 

PAPER 301: GENOME AND GENOMICS 

Units of heredity -Genes, alleles, multiple alleles, pseudo alleles, cistron, muton, recon.

Genome organization -Compositional and morphological genome organization, nucleic acid sequence organization of genome, repetitive DNA sequences, sequences of centromeric and teleomeric regions.

The molecular anatomy of ,eukaryotic genomes -architectural elements, genes encoding RNA, genes encoding polypeptides.

 Structural, functional, comparative and evolutionary genomics -Yeast, Ceanorabhditis elegans, D.melanogaster, Arabdopsis thaliana, Mice and Humans.

Genomes of bacteriophages and bacteria.

Genomes of cellular organelles -mitochondrial DNA, chloroplast DNA.

Genomic rearrangements -General features of unprogrammed transcription, Transposable elements and other mobile elements, Retrotransposon. Retrogenes. Programmed rearrangements and modulation of gene expression. Programmed amplification and modulation of gene expression. Unprogrammed and tandem amplifications.

Gene mapping and Genomic libraries.

Genome projects. Genome sequencing and micro-array, functional genomics, model organisms and other genome projects. Co-operation compilation and controversy in genome project. Life in post genomic era. 

Proteomics -Tools of Proteomics and application of proteomics.

PAPER 302: BIOMEDICAL GENETICS

PART -A: HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS

Genetic mapping of Mendelian and complex characters.

An introduction to the structure of human genome, mapping of human genome and sequencing.

Gene therapy and other molecular based therapeutic approaches.

Pre- implantation genetic diagnosis.

Human population genetics and evolution. Human genetics and society.

PART -B: MEDICAL CYTOGENETICS

Human chromosomes and karyotype.

Cytogenetics of prenatal chromosome diagnosis, chromosome diagnostics in haematopoietic disorders (Lymphoid and Myeloid).

Chromosome abnormalities and tumour biology.

Cytogenetics in transfusion medicine   

Molecular cytogenetic technologies.    

PAPER 303: IMMUNOGENETICS AND HAEMA TOLOGY  

PART –A IMMUNOGENETICS

Introduction, Cells and organs of the immune system.   

Immunoglobulinis -types structure and functions, organization, expression and genetics of immunoglobulin genes.

Antigens and antigenecity, antigen-antibody interaction, antigen presentation, processing and differentiation.  

B -cell receptors (BCR) -structure and functions, B-cell maturation, activation and differentiation. T-cell receptors (TCR) -structure and functions, T-cell maturation, activation and differentiation.

Major histo compatability complex (MHC) -structure and functions. The immune system in health and diseases.   

PART-B: HAEMATOLOGY

Blood and blood groups. Blood group antigens. ABa, Lewis, Rh , MNS's, Xg, antigens. Leukocytes and platelet isoantigens.   

The HLA System.

Haemoglobin variation, Structure and functions of Haemoglobin. Chemical and molecular implications in haemoglobin biosynthesis and variation.   

Genetic basis of globin gene variation. Genetic disorders of globin biosynthesis.

Inborn errors of metaboilism -molecular concepts, experimental approach. Tissue distribution and heterogeneity, classifications, Heterozygote detection, prenatal detection.  

PAPER 304: BERAVIOURAL GENETICS, SOCIO-BIOLOGY AND QUANTITATIVE GENETICS   

PART -A: BEHA VIOURAL GENETICS AND SOCIO-BIOLOGY

Introduction, genetic basis of behaviour.   

Hygiene behaviour and division of labour in honeybees. 

Genetics of bird migration.   

Co-operation and conflict in animal societies. Courtship behaviour in insects ( Honey bee and Drosophila) and Primates. 

Evolution of social behaviour. Hamilton's rule.   

PART -B: QUANTITATIVE GENETICS

Some basic statistics, notations-distributions, co-variance, correlation, regression   

Genotype-phenotype-distributions-correlations. Norms of Reaction and phenotypic plasticity.

The heritability of a trait. Directional, stabilizing and disruptive selection

Genetics and maintenance of genetic variation   

Natural selection and genetics of speciation. Natural selection in the laboratory, Inbreeding, small populations and bottle neck phenomenon.   

PAPER 305:  PRACTICAL V 

1. A study of normal human karyotype:
A) Lymphocyte culture, harvesting, conventional staining and preparation of human normal Karyotype.
B) Prenatal diagnosis   

2. Chromosome staining and banding techniques:
 a) Giemsa banding. b) Quinacrine banding and FISH c), NOR staining and sex chromatin identification

3. Microscopy and image analysis systems:
a) Optical principles / light, phase contrast, fluorescence and confocal microscopy b)Microphotography and digital photography. c) Image analysis systems  

4. Studies on the Malignant chromosomes:
a) Chromosomal analysis of some selected malignant tissue    
b) Induction of chromosomal abnormalities in Rattus norvegicus 

PAPER 306: PRACTICAL VI  

Differential staining of human blood

Electrophoresis of haemoglobin  

Characterization and electrophoresis of serum proteins

Determination of single radial immunodiffusion and determination ofimmunoglobulin concentration  

Double radial immunodiffusion by Ouchtherlony method

Enzyme linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA)     

FOURTH SEMESTER

PAPER: 401: MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND GENETIC ENGINEERING   

PART -A: MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Principles of microbial growth. The bioreactor / fermenter scale up, media design for fermentation process, solid substrate fermentation.   

The nature of enzymes, application of enzymes, genetic engineering and protein engineering of enzymes, technology of enzyme production. Immobilized enzymes.

Photosynthesis, sources of biomass, ethanol from biomass, methane from biomass.  

Food and beverage fermentation, enzymes and food processing. Sweetness. Food waste, miscellaneous microbiologically designed food products. Rapid diagnostics of bioprocess technology, public acceptance and safety of new biotechnology.

Need for protein. Acceptability and toxicology of single cell protein. Single cell protein derived from high energy sources, algae, agricultural crops. The economic implications of single cell protein.  

PART -B: GENETIC ENGINEERING

Introduction to Genetic engineering and its applications in plants and animals.   

Recombinant DNA technology- Constructing recombinant DNA molecules. Applications of recombinant DNA technology. (6hrs) Unit III: Transgenic organisms, delivering DNA, transgenic pioneers.   

Gene targeting. Knocking out gene function, knockout mice as models, knockouts are normal.

Gene Therapy.  

PAPER 402: MUTAGENESIS AND CARCINOGENESIS

PART -A: MUTAGENESIS   

Mutation -Types of mutation, somatic and germinal mutations, reverse and suppressor mutations, radiation and chemically induced mutations.

Causes of mutations -Spontaneous and induced mutations. The AMES test; a screen for potential mutagens. Phenotypic effects of Mutations.   

DNA repair mechanisms. Direct correlation of mutational lesions. Repair involving excision of base pairs. Human genetic disease resulting from DNA replication and repair errors.

Molecular basis of mutation.   

Mutation frequency. Practical applications. Beneficial mutations, adaptation V s mutations.   

PART -B: CARCINOGENESIS

Introduction, Cancer cell and its properties.

Oncogeny. Tumour-suppressor genes.

Metastasis. Genetics basis of carcinogenecity. Carcinogenesis, carcinogens. Correlation between mutagenecity and carcinogenecity.

Genetics of Leukemia, Lymphomas, Myeloproliferative disorders and Myelomas, Tumors and Metastatic cancer.

Human and Cancer. Cancer diagnostics.

PAPER 403: PLANT AND ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

PART -A: PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY

Plant tissue culture and applications -Events in plant tissue culture. Formulation of  tissue culture medium. Preparation of explants and inoculation. Callus, nucleus, embryo, --meristem and anther culture.

Protoplast technology -Isolation, maintenance and viability tests of protoplast. Plant regeneration from protoplasts. Methods and uses of protoplast fusion.

Biofertilizers -Production and beneficial roles of rhizobium inoculants and azatobacter inoculant. Field applications of rhizobium, azatobacter, azospirillium, blue green algae, mycorrhizal fungi and azolla.

Transgenic plants in biotechnology -Applications of transgenic plants. Biological control of pests, pathogens and weeds.

Traditional breeding versus biotechnology -.Gene transfer in dicots and monocots. Altering plants at the cellular level. Cell and seed banks. Safety and protection in biotechnology - Patent protection. Trade secrets, plant breeders rights, problems of organism pathogenecity. Problems of biologically active biotechnology products.

PART -B: ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Animal tissue culture and its applications -Events in animal tissue culture. Requirements for animal tissue culture. Preparation of explants. 

Health products -Genetic manipulation of E. coli for insulin production. Genetic engineering of human growth hormone. Interferons- types and production and its uses.

Transgenic animals and their uses -Methods: Retroviral, microinjection and embryonic stem cell methods. Applications of transgenic animals. Transgenic mosquitoes as vaccinators.

Environmental Biotechnology -Microbial ecology / environmental biotechnology. Waste water and sewage treatment landfill. Technologies, microbes and geological environment. Environmental sustainability

Release of genetically engineered organisms to the environment. Role of bioreactors, biosensors, biochips, biofuels, bioremediation, biodegradation and biomining.

PAPER 404: MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Biology and Genetics of stem cells -Stem cells and their environment. Stem cells, cancer and cancer stem cells. 

Reprogramming of genome function -Epigenetic asymmetry between parental genomes. Genomic reprogramming in the germ line, in the zygote and in the somatic nuclei in the oocyte.

Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics -The molecular detection of human diseases after the human genome project. Significance of drug discovery. Pharmacogenetics and cancer therapy. Cardiovascular diseases and drug metabolism. Pharmacogenetics and the future of medical practice. Conceptual considerations.

Animal models in pharmacogenomics -The use of animal models in expression of pharmacogenomic analysis and the irrelevance of race.

Biotechnology in -medicine, biopharmaceuticals; antibiotics, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. Genetically engineered vaccines. Unit VI: Molecular pathology -Main classes of mutations- Loss of function mutation and gain of function mutation. Hemoglobinopathies. Prader- Willi, Angleman syndrome and fragile X syndrome. 

Identifying human diseases -Principles and strategeis in identifying disease genes.

Molecular diagnostics for human diseases -DNA fingerprinting. Use of mini satellites -Single locus probes. DNA profiling based on STR's; Flow Cytometry and cell sorting.

Identifying human diseases -Principles and strategeis in identifying disease genes.

Molecular diagnostics for human diseases -DNA fingerprinting. Use of mini satellites -Single locus probes. DNA profiling based on STR's; Flow Cytometry and cell sorting.

Chromosome analysis -Microscopy and imaging. Computer image processing. Spectral karyotyping.

Gene therapy -Types, methods of transferring transgenes into target cells. Gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, duschemne muscular dystrophy and for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) syndrome and melanoma.

PAPER 405 PRACTICAL- VII   

Staining of bacteria

Microorganism in soil  

Bacteriological examination of water

Measurement of growth of microorganisms

Microbiological assay of vitamins

Extraction and properties of DNA from bacterial cells

Replica plating technique

Conjugation in E. coli

Isolation of bacteriophage  

Restriction endonuclease digestion and electrophoresis of DNA

Chromotographic characterization of Drosophila melanogaster mutants

PAPER 406 PRACTICAL- VII    

Studies on the life cycle of mosquitoes (Anopheles, Culex and Aedes) and other vectors of medical importance. 

Chromosome preparations using solid tumor and Leukemia samples.

Genetics and immunogenetics of malaria parasites (Plasmodiumsp.)

Life cycle of malaria/filarial parasites

Mitotic, meiotic and polytene chromosomes of Anopheles stephensi Liston.

Study of inversion polymorphism by using polytene chromosome from ovarian nurse cells of Anophiline Mosquitoes.

Plague/Focus formation assay of animal viruses.

Analysis of gene expression in CCl4 treated rat livers using a novel bio-assay technique.

Multigenic traits and risk assessment in pharmacology-a population approach