F.Y.Bsc. (Life Science) PAPER-I
Life Sciences at the molecular and cellular levels (Total Lectures:90)
(The number of periods for each topic is given in brackets)
Unit 1:
1)Molecular logic of a living cell:
An inroduction to Life Sciences of the topics that follow. (2)
2)Physiological Role of water:
Structure of water molecules, ionic interactions, ionic product of water, concept of pH, buffer and buffering system in cells, role of inorganic ions. (3)
3)Proteins:
Amino acids: Classification, chemical reactions (Ninhydrin, Edmans, Sangers) of amino acids, peptides, protein structure, globular proteins (Haemoglobin) & Fibrous proteins (keratin), structure of proteins, types of bonds contributing to protein structure. (6)
4)Carbohydrates:
Structure, chemical and physical properties of monosaccharides, disaccharides (maltose, sucrose, lactose), polysaccharides (starch, glycogen and cellulose). (6)
Unit 2
5. Lipids: (5)
Classification of lipids (simple, derived and complex with one eg each).
6. Nucleic acids: (5)
Structure of nucleosides and nucleotides, structure of nucleic acid (A,B,Z forms).
The structure of DNA lends itself to its function as hereditary molecule.
7. Separation techniques: (3)
Paper and thin layer chromatography, principle of electrophoresis, differential
centrifugation, salting in and salting out (ammonium sulphate fractionation).
Unit 3
8.Introduction to concept of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell:
a. Microscopy as a tool for cell biology studies:Principles of light and electron microscopy.
Prokaryotic cell structure example E.coli
b. Eukaryotic cell structure example Yeast (unicellular), Plant and Animal cell (multicellular). (3)
c. Evolutionary origin of organells and endosymbiont hypothesis.
9. Virus:
Virion structure , Life cycle of bacteriophage (Lytic,Lysogenic), Plant and Animal virus (one example each) (3)
10. Microbial growth:
Influencing factors, culture media (enriched and minimal), isolation,preservation,life cycle and growth curve of E.coli.
11.Cell membrane:
a. Membrane models: Unit memorane and Fluid Mosaic Model of Singer and Nicholson
(membrane lipids and proteins in brief).
b. Membrane junctions:Tight,gap,septate,demosomes. (2)
c.Membrane transport:Diffusion,osmosis,passive and active transport.
Endocytosis and Exocytosis
Unit 4
12. Structure of cell wall:
a.Bacterial cell wall: Gram positive and Gram negative.
b.Plant cell wall: Primary and Secondary
13. Nucleus:
Structure of an interphase nucleus : nuclear membrane, nucleolus, nucleosome model, euchromatin and heterochromatin, lampbrush and polytene chromosomes
14. Ribosomes:
Subunits in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (including those within chloroplast and mitochondria); ER-Ribosome complex
15. Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Apparatus:
a. Endoplasmic reticulum:
Structure (including sarcoplasmic reticulum)
Role in protein synthesis (ER-Ribosome complex) an transport
b. The Golgi Apparatus:Structure, origin and relationship to Endoplasmic reticulum.
Role in synthesis, storage and secretion of zymogen and glycoproteins.
Unit 5
16. Lysosomes
Types of lysosomes.
Primary and secondary lysosomes & their functions.
Lysosome associated diseases- Tay sachs, Silicosis.
17. Peroxisomes and Glyoxisomes :
Structure and function in plant and animal cells.
18. Mitochondria :
- Structure of inner, outer membranes & the matrix with a brief mention of oxidative phosphorylation.
- Mitochondria associated diseases (any one example)
19. Plastids :
Types, chloroplast morphology, structure of thylakoid membrane, photosynthetic
Pigments & a brief mention of photo-phosphorylation, chloroplast DNA
Unit 6
20. Cytoskeletal elements:
a. Microfilaments:
Structure and function in striated muscle fibres.
Role in cytoplasmic streaming in plants. (3)
b. Mictolubules:
Structure as in cilia or in flagella, mechanism in movement. Function in mitotic
spindle. (3)
c. Intermediate filaments:
Structure and function. (2)
21. Cell cycle and cell division:
a.Cell cycle (G0,G1,S,G2,M phases) (4)
b.Mitosis and Meiosis & their significance (4)
Paper II
Unit 1
- Multicellularity
Patterns of organization – multicellularity in relation to functions in plants and animals. (Volvox, Sponges etc, as examples).
- Organization to tissues and organs
An introduction to plant and animal tissues
(Details to be taught in the Laboratory with examples)
- Systems & their functional coordination in man:
- Digestive system.
- Circulatory system
- Respiratory system
- Excretory system
- Respiratory system
- Skeletal system
- Muscular system
- Control and co-ordination through
(a) Endocrine system &
(b) Nervous system.
Unit 2
3.9 Special mechanisms
3.9A. Transport mechanisms for plant and animals:
Inorganic solutes: transpiration & the mechanism of the regulation of stomatal function & the role of k+ ions.
Organic solutes: mechanism & its regulation, munch's hypothesis; ascent of sap- jolly dixon's theory.
Circulation in animals- an overview of open and closed circulation.
3.9B. Certain other special adaptations in plants and animals:
(1) digestion- insectivorous plants , digestion without a tract in taenia.
(2) respiration- pneumatophores, cutaneous respiration in frog.
(3) excretion-salt glands, concept of cloaca in reptiles.
Unit 3
4. Genetics
4.1 Mendelian inheritance:
Concept of homozygous, heterozygous, phenotype, genotype, alleles;
Mendel's laws and mono& di hybrid ratios with problems, chi square-
for 3:1and 2:1 ratios. Use sickle cell anemia as an example to explain the concept of gene.
4.2 Chromosomal inheritance:
sutton's hypothesis, sex linked inheritance, study of human pedigrees (e.g sex linked dominant and recessive;autosomal dominant and recessive..
Unit 4
4.3 Modofication of mendel's laws:
gene interaction:incomplete domonance,codominance;
multiple genes;multiple alleles :blood groups ;epistasis;linkage;sex limited;sex influenced.
4.4 Mutations:
4.4a point mutations
4.4b chromosomal aberrations:
structural: deletion: duplication, inversion, translocation
numerical: euploidyand aneuploidy(e.g downs, turners, klienfelter" scri-du-chat)
4.5 brief introduction to genetic engineering and its application in medicine(e.g insulin) and in agriculture (e.g. ;bt.cotton)
Unit 5
5. Biodiversity [28]
5.1 origin and evolution of life {9}
Geological Time Scale - only ERAS. (2)
Theories of origin of life - Spontaneous, Biogenesis (2)
Theories of Evolution: Lamark’s Theory of Inheritance of Acquired
Characters: Darwin’s Theory of Evolution: selection in action - e.g. industrial
Melanism; Common Origin of all organisms (Evidences: Anatomical,
Embryological, paleontological and genetic) (5)
5.2 principles of taxonomy and systems of classifications {1}
(Details to be taught in the laboratory/Field (See the Practical Syllabus)
5.3 study of populations and elementary biostatistics {7}
5.3.1 characteristics of populations (3)
Natality, Mortality, Density Age Structure, Sex Ratio, Population growth curve
(J shaped and S shaped) Factors influencing the changes in a population: e.g.
Birth Control Measures, famine, war.
5.3.2. Elementary biostatistics (4)
(a) Purpose of Biostatistics:
Data collection, Discrete and continuous variables, qualitative and quantitative Biostatistics.
(b) Study of Class Intervals and calculation of frequency
(c) Representation - tabular and graphical - line graph, frequency curve, Ogive curve, histogram and pie diagram. (Examples will be dealt with in the practicals - in Excel format)
(d) Measures of central tendency _ mean , median, mode and standard deviation.
Unit 6
5.4 Ecology {11}
(1) Principles of Ecology (3)
(2) Food chains, flow of energy, food webs, trophic levels, ecological pyramids and their efficiencies (2)
Ecological succession - an introduction (1)
(3) Ecosystems - Types: (One example of each) (2)
(a) Terrestrial
(b) Aquatic
(c) Thermal vents as an ecosystem
(4) Interspecific Interactions - Commmensalism, Mutualism, Parasitism, Amensalism, Symbiosis (2)
(5) Behavioral Ecology: (3)
(a) Basic behavioral patterns - taxis, tropism, reflex, instinct and conditioned behavior
(b) Ecological adaptations _ camouflage and mimicry
(d) Biological clocks and rhythms
SYBSC Life Sciences
Paper-1
Unit-1 (16)
I- General introduction, central regulation & coordination of homeostasis.
A. General introduction to homeostasis (2)
- Review of cellular, tissue, organ and systems level of organisation.
- Positive and negative feedback mechanisms &homeostasis
B. Central regulation and coordination of homeostasis
1) Hormonal regulation in animals (10)
- classical endocrine system (including paracrine secretion) and neuroendocrine (especially invertebrate) systems- molting in arthropods (2)
- Mechanism of hormone action – specificity, hormone binding membrane bound receptor and an introduction to signal transduction, cytosolic receptor (one steroid and one protein hormone as an example)
- general overview of vertebrate endocrine glands and their role in homeostasis: (6)
Hypothalamo-hypophysial axis; parathyroid –eg. Bone metabolism; adrenal- eg.sodium potassium, protein balance, stress; thyroid eg.metabolic alteration; pancreas eg.glucose metabolism; hypothalamus eg. Food intake, body heat, thirst, sleep, wakefulness, energy; pineal gland eg. Day and night rhythm; thymus eg. Immune system; ovary, testis, uterus
2) Plant hormones and their roles in homeostasis- (4)
Gibberilic acid, auxins
Ethylene, cytokinin and abscisic acid (structure and function)
Unit -2 (14)
II- regulation by means of nervous system
Nervous system : a perspective – vertebrate central and peripheral; autonomic nervous system and its role in homeostasis; concept of plexus (2)
Evolution of nervous system: Organisms without Nervous system, in radial animals, vertebrate brain (2)
Sensory system: Classification of sense organs, adaptations (2)
Muscle (types, structures, mechanism of contraction, mention other effectors like glands, electric organs and light emission in fire flies) (3)
Behaviour and Behavioral adaptation: Reflexes, instinct and learning (2)
Bio rhythm, circadian-sleep-wake cycle, in plants with atleast one example (2)
A brief summary of neuro endocrine co ordination, example coping with stress. (1)
Unit 3 (15)
III- Transport/ Circulation and Respiratory system and gas exchange.
A) Regulation of transport and circulation (8)
- Circulatory system in animals, Transport system in plants (xylem, phloem) (2)
- Ions and molecules across membrane (1)
- In plants : Electro – osmosis, pinocytosis, root pressure,guttation and bleeding,kinectics of active food transport (2)
- In animals extra cellular fluid, cardiovascular system , neurogeneic,myogeneic heart, properties of heart muscle-cardiac cycle, ECG,cadiac output,regulation of blood pressure and blood flow, clotting of blood, autonomic control of heart (3)
B) Respiratory system and Gas exchange (7)
- Physical principles of gas exchange; Survey of gas exchange mechanisms (2)
- Respiration in plants (1)
- Aquatic respiration (mosquito, larvae and fish gill) (1)
- Respiratory mechanism and their regulation ( e.g. Invertebrates – earthworms ( cuntaneous), crab(gill), scorpion(book lungs),Vertebrates – Frog (cutaneous,Buccal and Pulmonary ) (2)
- Respiratory Pigments : Regulation of O2 and CO2 balance (1)
Unit 4 (15)
IV. Digestive system/ Nutritional Homeostasis & Excretory System/Osmotic Homeostasis (15)
A) Digestive system/ Nutritional Homeostasis: (8)
- Autotrophs and Heterotrophs – e.g. Plants, Nitrobacter / alga and amoeba, Mineral nutrients in plants: Macro, Micro, deficiencies and toxic elements (2)
- Survey of Digestive systems : Intracellular and Extra cellular digestion in animals: Intracellular(e.g. Amoeba/ Paramecium); Extra cellular: any one plant, symbiotic in ruminant stomach ( See also Practical I) (1)
- Hormonal control of digestion in humans : Gastrin, Chloesystokinin, Secretin, Factors controlling blood glucose levels in humans- Hypoglycemia (Glucogon and Epinephrine in Glycogenolysis ; Glucocorticoids & Insulin/Growth hormone in Gluconeogenesis); Hyperglycemia: (Insulin in Gycogenesis, cellular oxidation & Lipogenesis: Metabolism & Temperature regulation (Metabolic rate & body size; Homeotherms, Poikilotherms) (5)
B) Excretory system / Osmotic Homeostasis (7)
- Phylogenetic review of organs and processes – Contractile vacuole, flames cells, Nephridiun, Malpighian tubules, Kidney and skin in man (Laboratory practicals) (1)
- In plants – water and salt regulation under normal and stresses conditions. (2)
- In animals – Concept of osmo regulation and processes associated with osmo regulation (ultra filtrations, selective reabsorption, secretion, acid base regulation) (2)
- Nitrogenous excretory products (ammontelism, ureotelism, uricotelism) (1)
- Homeostasis under stress e.g. Diabetes insipidus (1)
Unit 5 (17)
V. Reproductive system, development / homeostatic mechanism of the continuation of life.
A) Alteration of generations:
- Asexual and sexual, parthenogenesis (in daphnia); Spore formation as in dictyostelium. (1)
- Sex determination in plants e.g. Maize (1)
- Aromatase and production of oestrogen, sex reversal (2)
- Temperature dependant sex determination in reptiles. (1)
- Mechanism of mammalian primary sex determination – Testis determining gene factor, ovary determining (1)
- Secondary sex determination (1)
B) Endocrine control of reproduction in humans (7)
Menstrual cycle : Ovary – Phases of ovarian development, phase of menstrual cycle- development of endometrium, physiological interruption of cycle during pregnancy and lactation, during of contraceptive pill, termination of cycle – menopause.
C) Gametogenesis and early development : in plants : kinds of ovules , fertilization, development of an embryo ( angiosperm), in animals : types of eggs , fertilization, cleavage patterns, blastula, gastrula ( frog)
Unit 6.
VI. Body defence and recovery mechanisms / homeostasis against infection/predatory attack (13)
- In prokaryotes: Chemotaxsis, Toxin ( one example each) (1)
- In plants : Biomolecules : secondary metabolites, surface proteactants, enzymes, movements : Vital movements – Locomotion/ Curvative movements, Hydration( Nastic,Tropic,Thermo,Thigmo,Seismonastic) and Hygroscopic movements.
- In animals : Immunity: Innate and adaptive immunity : innate – invertebrates and in vertebrates inflammation cell types ( haemocytes / mono and polymorphonuclear and phagocytosis; Adaptive – primary and secondary lymphoid organs (no structural details), T and B cells (functions only), antigens and antibodies ( definition only).Behaviour and behaviour modification.
- Movement ( see also unit II): Towards food and away from adverse environment, learned response and Memory. (2)
- Tissue damage and repair : Wound healing & regeneration (brief introduction only).
Paper II
Unit 1
- Water, pH, Buffers.
- Enzymes
- Classification
- Kinetics
- Effect of pH and Temperature
- Inhibitors
- Enzyme extraction, purification and Specific activity
(Mention techniques: Dialysis, Gel-filtration, Ion-exchange, Affinity chromatography and Spectrophotometry)
Unit 2
Survey of Metabolism
A) Carbohydrates
- Glycolysis- process and metabolic regulation
- Citric acid cycle-
- Process and regulation
- Importance as a central amphibolic pathway uniting all primary biological processes.
- Gluconeogenesis
- Pentose phosphate pathway
- Short account of polysaccharide synthesis.
Unit 3
IV .Survey of Metabolism
B. Amino Acids
a.
1 Deamination & ammonia disposal by Urea cycle
2 Decarboxylation & integration into Kreb’s cycle
b.
1 Transamination
2 Glutamate synthesis
C. Lipids
1. Lipolysis
2. Role of Carnitine in mitochondrial permeability
3. Beta-Oxidation of fatty acids
4. Ketone bodies
Unit 4
1. Fatty acid biosynthesis
2. Cholesterol biosynthesis
V. Bioenergetics:
A. Electron Transport System
1. Localization and
2. Sequence of electron transporters
B. Oxidative Phosphorylation
1. Mitchell’s Chemiosmotic Hypothesis
2. ATP Synthesis
3. Control of respiration, uncoupling and metabolic poisons
V Photosynthesis
- Photophosphorylation, Hill Reaction
- C3 and C4 cycles
- Photorespiration
Unit 5
Nucleic acids:
- Chemistry of nucleic acids. Absorption spectra and melting curves and a brief outline of biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines.
- DNA replication with details of enzymes involved.
- Transcription (a) in prokaryotes and (b) in eukaryotes mRNA processing to familiarize with intron-exon splicing.
- Reverse transcription.
Unit 6
Gene Regulation and Protein biosynthesis:
- Translation: Genetic code, Translation system, post translational modification.
- Regulation of gene expression:
- Operon model (Lac, Trp)
- Brief concept of Alternate splicing and RNAi
Overview of metabolism: Integration of carbohydrates, protein, lipid and nucleic acid metabolism.
Paper III
Unit 1:
1. Biostatistics (15)
a. Sample versus Population Sampling – different methods – importance of “sample size”. (2)
b. Measures of Central Tendency – Mean, Median and Mode. (2)
c. Measures of Location – ‘Z’ score, per (2)
d. Measures of variation – range, variance (2)
e. Normal distribution, skewen distribution, probability, calculations from ‘Z’ score with biological examples only. (6)
f. Standard Deviation & Standard error, significance test for large sample . (2)
Unit 2 (15)
Biostatistics (contd.) (11)
h. Significance tests for small samples :
(i) Paired and unpaired T test from laboratory data. (see Practical syllabus) (4)
(ii) Chi square test from laboratory data (see practical syllabus) (2)
i. ANOVA – Analysis of Variance with biological examples only (2)
j. Concept of Correlation: Linear Regression & correlation from laboratory data (see practical syllabus) (3)
II. Bioinformatics (4)
a. Introduction to Bioinformatics: Concept of information network: Internet, IP address, TCP/IP, FTP, HTTP, HTML and URLs ; Virtual libraries (Concept of database and their use in Biology) : The European Molecular Biology Network – EMBnet. The National Centre for Biotechnology Information – NCBI, Pub Med. (2)
b. DNA sequence data analysis : annotation for putative genes; translation of codes to into amino acids latter codes. (2)
Unit 3:
Evolution :
a) History and development of evolutionary thought:
1) The world was not ready – Georges Curner’s Catastrophe Theory & Origin of Paleontology Lamark .
2) Darwin Develops Theory – HMS Beagle: Geology & Fossils influence Darwin’s Thinking
Biogeography: Natural selection as a process result in adaptation to the Environment
Evidences: Fossil record, Biogeography, Comparative anatomy, Comparative biochemistry, Cytochrome diversity.
b) Process of Evolution:
1) Genetic Equilibrium & Disequilibrium in populations : Hardy Weinberg’s law and factors influencing the law , Shift in frequency of genes within populations .
2) Causes of Variations : Genes mutate , Gene flows brings new genes , Genetic Drift-Rounder effect & Bottle-Neck effect .
3) Directed Changes in Population : Natural selection ; Against lethal alleles ; non-lethal recessive selection favoring heterozygotes ; Laboratory studies with examples of Drosophila ; antibiotic resistant bacteria pesticide resistant organism ; industrial melanism ; maintenance of heterozygotes as in sickle celled anaemia in malaria endemic regions ; Selectionists versus Naturalists
Unit 4 :
4) Adaptive & Types of Selection : Directional selection ; Stabilizing selection ; Disruptive selection
5) Speciation : Mechanism of Speciation ; Reproductive isolation mechanisms ; Adaptive radiation ; Sympatry & Allopatry .
c) Consequence of Evolution & Assessment of Biological Relationships :
6) Phylogenetic Trees : Traditional ; Cladistics & parsimony principle ; Cladogram
Evolutionary significance of biodiversity : food chains and food web with examples from Laboratory/Field study
d) Studying Evolutionary Lineages : Evolutionary history of horse
Unit 5
1. Human Population Studies
- Trends in human evolution. Darwinian and Social Evolution
- Population dynamics, Growth rate and Population pyramid and variants, Indian scenario
- Population and distribution of resources:geographically, urban-rural.
2. Public health status and strategies in India (10)
a) Malnutrition: calorific malnutrition, protein malnutrition, avitaminosis (3)
b) Infectious Diseases: Host-parasite relationship (to be discussed with respect to epidemiology,aetiology, pathology (only target tissues), diagnosis, therapy, preventive measures, discovery of concept of hygiene & vaccines
.i. vector borne- malaria, dengue (4)
ii. viral hepatitisB. (3)
Unit 6
Infectious Diseases (contd.)
iii) Bacterial- tuberculosis, leprosy, typhoid, cholera
iv) Helminth Pilariasis
v) Fungal- Ringworm, Aflotoxin poisoning
TYBSc Life Science
Paper I -Genetics and Immunology
Section I -Genetics (Total lectures – 45)
This section seeks to give an overview and conceptual understanding of the nature of genetic material,
mechanisms of genetic variation, principles of genome analysis, and regulation of gene expression.
Starting with some of the important discoveries of the last century, the syllabus tries to emphasize
connections between transmission genetics, molecular genetics and the present day genomics and
proteomics.
Unit - I
1.
Nature of Genetic material
a)
Early experiments leading to the discovery of the genetic material (2 lec)
Griffith’s experiment of 1928; Avery, McLeod and McCarty’s experiment of 1944; Hershey-Chase’s experiment of 1952; and Fraenkel – Conrat and B. Singer’s experiment of 1956.
b)
Structural organization of a prokaryotic genome (1 lec)
c)
Structural organization of a eukaryotic genome (2 lec)
i)
Structural characteristics of chromosomes Chromosome karyotyping and banding patterns; Higher orders of chromosome packing; ‘C value paradox’;
ii) Sequence complexity of DNA Unique and repetitive sequences of DNA; Denaturation kinetics and ‘CoT’ value; Satellite DNA
d) Extranuclear genetic elements (1 lec)
i) Plasmids
ii)
Mitochondrial genomes *
iii)
Chloroplast genomes *
2. Variation in Genetic material
a) Recombination .
i) Prokaryotic systems:
(10 lec)
1.
Genetic recombination in Bacteriophage -Life Cycle of lytic and lysogenic phages; Complementation in
phages (Intra-and Inter-genic); Recombination mapping – two and three factor crosses, Deletion Mapping;
Numerical examples and problem solving.
2.
Genetic recombination in Bacteria -The processes of Conjugation, Transformation and Transduction;
Mapping the genome by each method. Numerical examples and problem solving
Unit - II
ii) Eukaryotic systems (9 lec)
1.
Genetic recombination in Fungi – Life Cycle; recombination in Neurospora and mapping by Tetrad
analysis.
2.
Genetic recombination in Drosophila -Life Cycle; Recombination -Mapping the genome by two and three
factor crosses, co-efficient of co-incidence and interference.
3.
Genetic recombination in Humans – Somatic cell Genetics: use of cell hybrids and hybridomas for gene
mapping; Mapping using DNA markers -SNP’s, micro and mini satellites, Restriction Fragment Length
Polymorphisms
b) Mutation (3 lec)
i) Natural biological mutagenic agents (Transposons and their evolutionary significance)
ii) Induced mutations -Site-Directed mutagenesis using Oligomers and ‘Cassette mutagenicity’; Mutagenicity
testing – Ames test.
Unit - III
c) Gene Manipulation (Genetic Engineering)
i) Tools (2 lec)
1. Restriction Enzymes – General nature of action, Major categories based on type of cut, two typical examples
each and recognition sites
2. Vectors in genetic engineering – Plasmids (pBR322, pUC18), Phages (, M13)
ii) Techniques and their applications (8 lec)
1. General strategy for cloning a gene (Somatostatin) in E. coli, making a Genomic and c-DNA Library
2. Transformant screening by gene inactivation method
3. Screening for a specific clone by Immunochemical and Hybridization method
4. Restriction mapping
5. DNA Sequencing – Maxam-Gilbert’s method and Sanger’s Method
6. Polymerase Chain Reaction (using Random and specific primers)
3. Genome Analysis (2 lec)
a) Genomics –
i) The Human Genome Project and beyond (origins, aims, major features, information fall-out and applications)
ii) Structural Genomics Sequencing and annotating a sequence *
iii) Functional Genomics – transcriptome analysis*
iv) Comparative Genomics – eg. HOX/Wnt in different organisms*
b) Proteomics *– identification and analysis of cellular proteins e.g. using 2D Electrophoresis
4. Applied Genetics(2 lec)
i) Gene Therapy (SCID) *
ii) DNA Fingerprinting *
iii) Genetically modified organisms / plants / animals / foods *
Note: all topics marked with * are to be given as assignments.
5. Gene regulation in eukaryotes (3 lec).
a) At the transcriptional level
i) Chromatin condensation,
ii) Modification and remodeling by acetylation and methylation
iii) Transcriptional regulation (promoters and enhancers and Transcription initiation complex, GAL4-UAS system)
b) At the post -transcriptional level
i) RNA splicing,
ii) RNA editing,
iii) Alternate splicing and reading frames;
iv)Significance of the untranscribed Regions in the genome.
Section II – Immunology (Total lectures – 45)
This section attempts to familiarize the student with the complex array of immune responses of humans
and other vertebrates. Emphasis is made on the underlying mechanisms, and their significance in health
and disease.
Unit – IV
1. Cells and organs of the immune system (8 lec)
a) Primary and secondary lymphoid organs
b) Cells
i) Myeloid cells-structure and functions
ii) Lymphoid cells
iii) NK cells
c) Innate immunity
i) Anatomical, Physiological, Phagocytic, Inflammatory barriers
ii) Concept of Apoptosis vs. Necrosis
iii) Concept of PAMP, PRR and TLR
d) Complement
i) Classical, alternate and lectin pathways and comparison
ii) Biological consequences of complement activation
iii) Complement fixation tests
2. Adaptive immunity(9 lec)
a) Humoral immune responses
i) Antigen-Specificity, avidity, affinity, immunogenicity
ii) Antibody-Structure, Functions and variations
iii) Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies (Hybridoma Technique)
iv) Antigen – antibody interactions – Cross reactivity, Precipitation, Immunoelectrophoresis, Agglutination,
Radio immune assay, ELISA, Immunofluorescence.
v) Antibody diversity-organisation and expression of Ig genes, gene rearrangements for light and heavy chains
vi) B-cell ontogeny, Clonal selection model
vii) Humoral immune response-Role of APCs and T cells in B cell response
UNIT -V
b) Cell-mediated immune response (4 lec)
i) T-cell ontogeny
ii) T-cell receptors
iii) Role of TH1, TH2, TH17 and Tc cells
iv) Cell-mediated cytotoxicity of T cells
v) Cytokines-IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, INFs and TNFs
c) Major Histocompatibility Complex (4 lec)
i) MHC-I and MHC-II molecules.
ii) MHC allelic polymorphism
iii) MHC restriction
iv) Antigen processing and presentation-endogenous and exogenous pathways.
3. Hypersensitivity(4 lec)
Gell and Coombs classification:
i) Type I: Ag-Ab reactions viz. RIST and RAST
ii) Type II: Agglutination to be included
iii) Type III: Immunoflourescence, ELISA
iv) Type IV: Tuberculin test
4. Immunodeficiency(3 lec)
i) B-celled-X-linked agamma globulinimea
ii) T-celled-Di George
iii) Combined-SCID
iv) Phagocytic-CGD
v) AIDS
Unit - VI
5. Transplantation(3 lec)
i) Types of grafts
ii) Tissue typing (serological and MLR)
iii) Mechanisms of graft rejection
iv) Graft vs. host disease w.r.t. bone marrow or cornea
6. Tumor Immunology (3 lec)
i. Role of the immune system, Cell mediated and humoral responses,
ii. NK cells and macrophages,
iii. Tumor specific antigens,
iv. Immunological surveillance,
v. Immunological escape and potential for therapy.
7. Tolerance (2 lec)
i) Mechanism of T cell and B cell tolerance
ii) Immunology of pregnancy
iii) Role of T regulatory cells
8. Autoimmunity (2 lec)
i) Mechanisms for induction (Aetiology)
ii) Types of Auto immune diseases-organ specific and systemic e.g. Myasthenia gravis, Graves’s disease, SLE
and Multiple sclerosis
9. Vaccines (3 lec)
a) Passive immunization
i) Preformed antibodies and problems
ii) Use of Chimera / humanized antibodies
b) Active immunization (Different methods used)
i) Whole organisms (attenuated vs. inactivated ex. Polio)
ii) Purified macromolecules (Polysaccharide, toxoid and recombinant antigen vaccines)
iii) Peptide vaccines
iv) DNA vaccines
TYBSc Life Science
Practicals Paper i -Genetics and Immunology
Note: I – Instrumentation, C -Conceptual understanding, T – Technical skill, R – Relevance to daily life.
Genetics
I) Experiments to be performed by students: Expected learning outcomes
1.
Viable count for enumeration of bacteria by –Bulk seed methodC,T,R
2.
Viable count for enumeration of bacteria by -Surface spread method C,T,R
3.
Estimation of bacteriophage titre by plaque assay C,T,R
4. Effect of u.v. light on microorganisms -Determination of percent viability of an E. coli
culture after u.v. exposure-in the absence of light repair C,T,R
5.
Extraction of chromosomal DNA from chicken liver / goat spleen I, C,T,R
6.
Isolation of antibiotic resistant / auxotrophic mutants using Replica plate technique.C,T,R
7. Giant Chromosome preparation (Drosophila / Chironomus)C,T
II) Demonstration experiments:
8.
a) Extraction of plasmid DNA, restriction enzyme digestion and visualization by agarose
gel electrophoresis.I,C,T,R
b) Study of UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, Thermal cycler (PCR instrument), DNA
sequencer C,R
9.
a) Study of Drosophila mutants from specimen / slides / photographsC,R
b) Collection and observation of virgin Drosophila females for setting up of genetic crosses.C,R
Immunology
Experiments to be performed by students:
1.
Study of ABO Blood groups and quantitative Coomb’s Test. C, R.
2. Study of Isohemagglutinin titre in blood. C, R.
3.
Quantitative Widal Test. C, R.
4.
Ouchterlony test for Immunodiffusion – (Qualitative) C, R.
II)
Demonstration experiments:
5.
a) Dissect and expose the lymphoid organs of rat / photographC, R.
b) Study of Thymus, Spleen, and Lymph node tissue sections C, R.
c) Observation of Blast cells in bone marrow of any mammal from slides / photographs. C, R.
6.
Separation of Mononuclear cells using a gradient and the determination of viable count
of the same C, R, T.
7. Agarose slide gel electrophoresis of Serum I, C,T,R.
Paper II – Developmental Biology and Neurobiology [90 lectures]
Section I -Developmental Biology Total 45 lectures
Development Biology helps us to understand how organisms grow and develop, the genetic control of cell
growth, differentiation and morphogenesis -a process that gives rise to tissues, organs and the body
design. The biological bases of cancer as well as regeration of lost tissues from stem cells are hot areas of
research in Developmental Biology. This discipline also will help in understanding developmental
malfunctions. These anatomical abnormalities may be caused by mutant genes or by substances in the
environment that interfere with the development of the organism. The study of abnormalities is often
used to discover how normal development occurs.
Unit 1 [15lec]
I. Concepts and tool kit. (8 lec)
(more details in some cases will be dealt with in the Lab-see Developmental Biology Practical 1 & 2)
History and basic concepts in development: – (to be discussed using following e.g. as model systems
and techniques used to address questions in development. )
Sea Urchin: Mosaic vs. Regulative Development
Dictyostelium: acquisition of multicellularity
Drosophila: mutation series and early development.
Chick and amphibians: fate maps and chimeras.
Zebra fish: in situ hybridization and trace gene expression.
II. Descriptive embryology:
(i) Plant Development-Arabidopsis as the model system (7 lec)
a) Life cycle of Arabidopsis – sporophytic and gametophytic generation
b) Fertilization and embryo development
c) Formation of meristems (root and shoot)
d) Formation of different organs – leaf, flower, androecium [including development of anthers, pollen grain,
pollen tube etc.] and gynoecium [development of pistil -up to formation of embryo sac], double fertilization,
seed formation. [Eventual formation of fruit].
e) Role of Homeotic genes specifying parts of a flower
f) Plant genome project (Arabidopsis and rice)
Unit 2 [14 lec]
(ii) In animals:
A. An overview of Amphibian development (as done in the S.Y. syllabus). (3 lec)
B. Chick an overview (11 lec)
(More details in the Lab-see Developmental Biology Practicals 1&2)
-Germ cell
-Fertilization.
-Cleavage
-Morula and blastula.
-Gastrulation.
-Neurulation. (i) neural induction, (ii) Neural tube formation
-Organogenesis – Eye OR limb
-Role of neural crest
Unit 3 [16 lec]
III. Cellular aspects of development: (7 lec)
1. Totipotency e.g.. Carrot phloem, animal cell nuclei, stem cells
2. Pluripotency e.g. Neural crest cells or Hematopoetic cells
3. Determination e.g. Drosophila imaginal disc
4. Transdetermination e.g. Drosophila imaginal disc
5. Differentiation. E.g. Neural crest cells or hematopoietic cells
6. Signaling factors (autocrine and paracrine) Explain with Hematopoiesis as example.
7. Induction – e.g. Formation of lens in the eye
IV. Molecular basis of growth and differentiation: (7 lec)
-Differentiation as a change in gene expression. (e.g. .
globin gene expression)
-Maternal genes, Segmentation genes, Homeotic genes in early development – Drosophila.
-Cell cycle and its control.
-Apoptosis.
V. Applications of developmental biology (2 lec)
(To be given as guided assignments)
i) Assisted human reproduction.
ii) Cancer.
iii) Regeneration ex Salamander limb (dedifferentiation)
iv) Wound healing vs regeneration
v) Aging.
vi) Congenital abnormalities.
vii) Fundamentals of Stem cell research
Section – II Neurobiology Total 45 lectures
The singular reason to study Neurobiology is to understand the biological basis of behavior-both
adaptive and maladaptive. The study of maladaptive behavior like mental illnesses often gives effective
entry point to understand the biological basis of normal behavior. Neurobiology encompasses several
sub-disciplines like neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry of sensory and motor functions as
well as of higher mental functions. Here, emphasis is given to understanding the relationship of functions
with the structure and activity of the brain and the nervous system.
Unit 4 [14 lec]
I. Introduction to behaviour and the nervoous system (6 lec)
(i) Overview of animal behaviour (1 lec)
-Innate behaviour
-Learned behaviour (example: Aplysia).
-Imprinting in birds
-Behavioural defects – e.g. Bird songs of isolated, caged birds.
(ii) Abnormal Behaviour and the Brain:
a. Obssessive compulsive disorders – (3 lec)
To be taught with ref. to the anatomy of the orbito –frontal cortex, basal ganglion, thalamus, and the use of
clomipramine / prozac in its treatment; and the role of the the neurotransmitter serotonin in OCD.
b. Mood disorder and nerurotransmitter theories.(2 lec)
monoamine (unipolar, bipolar); and the use of tricyclicantidepressants.(2 lectures))
II. General organization of nervous system (3 lec)
(i) Invertebrate Nervous system: (1 lec)
(more detail will be dealt with in the Lab-see Neurobiology practical 1)
-Organization of neurons in brain and ganglia of Invertebrates
-Nerve net, nerve plexus and ganglionated nervous system e.g. hydra, starfish and earthworm.
(ii) Vertebrate nervous system: (2 lec)
(more details will be dealt with in the Lab-see Neurobiology Practical 2 & 3)
-Fore brain, mid brain and spinal cord, lobes of the brain and their functional familiarization
e.g. motor areas, somatosensory, emotions.
-Functional organization of the human central nervous system.
-Limbic System, Memory and Hypothalamo – Hypophysial Axis.
III. Overview of the Cellular organization of the nervous system: (1 lec)
(a) Typical nerve cell
(b) Types of cells: Neuronal, Glial cells, ependymal cells and Schwann cells.
(c) Role of meninges and CSF.
IV. Chemical Basis of Neural transmission: (4 lec)
Ionic basis of resting membrane potential: Donann’s equilibrium experiments, Nernst’s potential Goldman’s
equation, Sodium –Potassium pump.
Unit 5 [15 lectures]
V. Action Potential & propagation (3 lec)
(a) Hodgkin and Huxley’s model, voltage clamp experiment and the derivation and propagation of
Action Potential
(b) Compound Action potential.
VI. Transmission of nerve impulse continued (4 lec)
(a) Graded potential
(b) Synaptic potential and synaptic integration [Electrical and Chemical Synaptic Potential]
(i) Excitatory Post Synaptic Potential (EPSP),
(ii) Inhibitory Post Synaptic Potential (IPSP)
(c) Neuro – muscular junctions
VII. Synapse and synaptic transmission. (8 lec)
(a) Synapse: Structure, Types – chemical and electrical
(b) Neurotransmitter – Biosynthesis, physiological role, pharmacological significance, (examples
of one agonist and one antagonist for each neurotransmitter)
i) Acetylcholine (Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors).
ii) Dopamine (D1 and D2 receptors).
iii) GABA.
iv) Glutamate
(c) Neuropeptide (Endorphin and Enkephalin).
Unit 6 [16 lectures]
VIII. Sensory organs (10 lec)
(details in Lab-see Neurobiology Practicals 4 & 5c)
Human Sense organs: receptors, receptor mechanisms and pathways:
a) Visual system: Vision -structure of the eye, retina, photoreceptors (rods and cones),
phototransduction, binocular vision, visual pathway (flow chart only – LGN to visual cortex),
light & dark adaptation, colour vision.
b) Auditory System: Structure of the ear, cochlea and organ of corti receptors and Mechanism of transduction.
Auditory pathway: (MGN to audio cortex) Diagrammatic representation only.
c) Vestibular System: Structure of the vestibular labyrinth, maculae and cristae; Mechanism of transduction.
d) Chemosensory system: Olfactory and Gustatory receptors – structure.
e) Skin as sense organ: somatic receptors -Types of mechano-receptors, pain reception&
Pain management (example analgesic effect by prostaglandin inhibition -aspirin)
IX. Motor systems: (2 lec)
(More details in the lab-see Neurobiology practical 4c, 5 & 7)
a) Molecular basis of Muscle contraction
b) Reflexes: Simple reflex arc, mono and poly-synaptic reflexes, stretch and knee-jerk reflex, crossed –
extensor reflex, and Golgi-tendon reflex
X. Neurobiological basis of behaviour: (2 lec)
Associative conditioning:Short term memory / Long Term Memory (eg. Aplysia continued from I above).
Addiction – narcotic drugs and their effects on CNS (eg: Opiates)
XI..Neurological diseases-to be given as guided assignments (2 lec)
i) Prions and Mad cow disease
ii) Duchene’s muscular Dystrophy
iii) Alzheimer’s disease
iv) Schizophrenia-Positive and negative symptoms
v) Huntington’s Disease
Practical Paper II
Practicals for Developmental Biology Component:
1) Study of developmental stages of chick embryo-C, T
2) Cytochrome C-oxidase activity in a developing chick embryo. C, T
3) Cell viability in pollen grains using Trypan blue. .C, T, R
4) Effect of boron / calcium on pollen tube germination in Vinca rose or any other suitable sample I, C.T,R
5) Root and shoot development in sections of a 2 day old plant embryo. I,C,T,R.
6) Role of GA in seed germination. C,T
Demonstration experiments (any two of the following):
8) Programmed cell death in limb bud using Janus Green B stain (in chick embryo). C, T,R
9) Alizarin stain to study limb development in chick embryo/ Regeneration of cartilage / bone C, T,R
10) Comparison of embryos of Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves and Mammals, to understand the
embryological basis of development, using photographs C.
11) Plant Tissue Culture: Initiation of plant tissue culture from germinated chick pea/any other suitable source:
(project to be performed in groups of 4-5 students) C, T,R
12) Bowl culture for study of morphogenetic movement C, T
13) Imaginal discs of Drosophila C, T
14) Regeneration in earthworm / any other suitable system / hydra (using permanent slide / photographs) C, T
15) Seed and fruit development cotton or any suitable system to show variations in the form of fruit structures
T, C, R
Practicals for Neurobiology component
1)Dissection & display of Nervous system in invertebrates – earthworm / prawn / cockroach or any other
suitable animal C,T,R
2) )Dissection & display of Nervous system in vertebrates – chick brain/goat brain or any other suitable system
C,T ,R
3) Study of chick embryo for identification of fore, mid & hind brain areas ( Refer above Developmental
Biology Practical no.1)
3) Cranial nerves of Shark or any other suitable animal and comparison with diagram of the cranial nerves of
mammals C,T, R
4) Temporary mounts of any three of the following: C, T, R
a) Cornea of prawn.
b) Statocyst of prawn.
c) Columella of bird.
d) Striated / smooth muscle fibre.
e) Methylene blue staining of earthworm nerve cord or any other suitable nerve cord or brain to observe
organization of neuronal cell bodies in invertebrates
f) Olfactory & gustatory sensillae
5) Study of Permanent slides of: C,R
a) Medullary nerve fibre:
b) TS of Spinal cord
c) Mammalian retina
6. Olfactory /Gustatory Behavioral study: Snail / Earthworm / insect larvae or any other suitable system.
I,C,T,R.
7) Knee-jerk and pupillary reflex. .C,T, R
Demonstration Experiments (Any two of the following)
8. Stroop test. C, T, R
9. Study of the Nervous system of Sepia with special reference to Giant axon and stellate ganglia T,C,R.
10. Study of mechano-sensory system of the upper and lower palm and somatotopic map of the human cortex
11.Testing for locating the Blind Spot in the retina
