790370 Mechanisms of cell regulation in biotechnology

Type
Lecture
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Gasser, Brigitte , Borth, Nicole
Organisation
Offered in
Sommersemester 2025
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

The major principles of biological control mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (regulation of transcription and translation; regulation of protein activity; external signals), background on functional regulatory units (operons, feedback loops, global metabolic control) and an overview on analytical methods are presented.
Especially, biological control in a biotechnological context and biotechnologically relevant control mechanisms will be covered. Examples of applications of biological control to biotechnological processes will be given.

Based on this, the students are encouraged and guided to research and present information on regulation of specific cellular processes in a pub quiz format (breakout sessions in small groups). This interactive part will be the major part of the course evaluation.
Previous knowledge expected

While there are no formal requirements, a good background in biochemistry and molecular biology is expected.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After the successful completion of the course the students can…

… describe the major mechanisms of biological control principles in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (transcriptional control, translational control, regulation of protein activity, mechanisms for sensing of external signals) and give examples for these

… explain the background of functional regulatory units (e.g. operons, feedback loops, global metabolic control)

… analyse / distill which control principles are applied in given biotechnologically relevant examples

… conclude if a certain regulation principle is applicable to a given problem based on the information provided in the course (in peer groups)

… link individual principles to each other to interpret their interdependency and use such designs in a given context (e.g. in a biotechnological production process).
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.