Degree Course: SCIENZE BIOLOGICHE (L-13) Syllabus for A.Y. 2018/2019  

Detailed program
Part I

The concept of a living organism. Cellular theory. Procariots and Eucaryotes. Unicellular and multicellular organisms. Organizational levels of pluricellular organisms: differentiated cells, tissues, organs. Orders of magnitude of the dimensions of different organisms and of different levels of organization. Chemical composition of living. Water: Its features of biological interest. Suspensions and solutions. Ions. The pH of the solutions. The hydrogen bond. The carbon atom and the chemistry of life. The concept of "symmetry" in carbon compounds of biological interest. The hyaluronic macromolecules: the main biological glucids (exotic and pentose). Steric and optic isomers. Their polymers. The main lipids of biological interest (phospholipids, fatty acids, steroids, hydrophobia and hydrophobia.) Water-soluble and liposoluble compounds Proteins such as amino acid polymers Primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structures Glycosylated proteins and lipoproteins The "form" Protein molecules in relation to their function Enzymes as biological catalysts Nucleic acids DNA structure RNA structure and biosynthesis Riboenzymes Ribosomes Structure, synthesis and function Generalities on protein synthesis The cell as a unit Fundamental features of living organisms Common characteristics and differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, between plant and animal cells Cell-study methods: different types of microscopes, colorings, immunohistochemistry, etc.
Cell membranes: chemical composition and characteristics. The fluid mosaic model. Intrinsic and extrinsic proteins. Glycosylate and glycolipid proteins and membrane lipoproteins. Plasma membrane and "recognition" between cells. The glycohol. Permeability and active transport. Ionic channels and ionic pumps. Energy metabolism: from photosynthesis to breathing. Transducers of electrons and protons. Triphosphate nucleotides. Ionic channels Na, K, Ca. Endocytosis and exocytosis processes. Membrane potential. Endocytosis mediated by receptors. Cucumbers. The smooth and wrinkled endoplasmic reticulum. The central vacuum of plant cells. The Golgi apparatus. Lysosomes and endocellular digestion. Pinocytosis and phagocytosis. The Perissisomi. Membrane bound membranes characterized by the presence of internal membranes: mitochondria and plastids of plant cells. Probable origin of mitochondria and plastids. Characteristics of the membranes of these organelles. Relationship between structural organization and energy metabolism function of mitochondrial membranes and chloroplasts (notes). Notes on the presence of ion channels acting on ATP-synthetase.
Generalities on the four fundamental tissues and their embryonic branching. Pluricellularity and differentiation. Epithelial tissue. General characteristics. Excitable Fabrics: 1) glandular epithelial tissue; Muscle tissue; 3) Nervous tissue. Glandular epithelium. Endocrine and Exocrine Glands: Characteristics and Embryonic Differentiation. Classification criteria. Cytoplasmic specifics of glandular cells related to their specific functions. The secular role of sinaptotagmans. Skeletal and cardiac striated muscular tissue, contractions. Neuron and cellular organization, exocytosis of neurotransmitters.
Part II

The Epithelium. Classification and functions. Free surface specialization. The lashes and microvilli. Relationships between cells and junction structures: zonula occludens, adherent zonula and desmosomi. Basal surface of the epithelium: relationship with connective tissue and basal lamina. Renewal of coating epitels: the germinating layer. Connective tissue. The different connective tissues: general characteristics and specific characteristics of the different connective tissues. The connector properly said. Classification of connectors. Reticular and elastic collagen fibers: morphofunctional characteristics. The connective cells and their function. The connective and the processes of defense of the organism. The Scythian reticulum system. Special connective tissues. The adipose tissue. The blood. Functions. Plasma: composition and functions. White and erythrocyte cells: Morphological and functional characteristics. Migration of white blood cell and connective cells. Cellular differentiation and specific functions in the connective. Plates: origin and function. Hematopoietic tissues. Hematopoietic lymphoid and myeloid. Embryo and fetal hematopoiesis. Blood and lymph vessels: general characteristics. Arteries, veins and capillaries. Support Connectors. The cartilage tissue. The matrix and the chondrocytes. Histogenesis and degenerative cartilage phenomena. Bone tissue. Calcium support and reserve function. Spongy bone and compact bone. Microscopic bone structure: the osteone. Osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts: dynamic stability of bone tissue. Bone histogenesis: intramembranous ossification. The cytoskeleton and the "shape" of cells in animal and plant organisms. Microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments. The rigid wall of plant cells. The cellular movement. Control and regulation of endocellular movements. Ameboid movement. Eyelashes and scourges. Intercellular junctions. Mechanical joints (desmosomes); Sealing joints; Communicating junctions and electronic coupling. Plasmodymas of plant cells. Functional analogues between communicative junctions of animal cells and plasmodies of plant cells. The endocellular membranes in eukaryotic cells. Biogenesis of membranes.
The nucleus of eukaryotes and its equivalent in procariates. Structure of the interfacial core. Eucromine and Heterocromatine. Structural and optional heterochromatin. The nucleolo. Nuclear enclosure and nuclear pores. Core-Plasma Communication. Chemical composition of chromatin and its organization. Histones and nucleosomes. The cell cycle. The interfase (phases G1, S, G2). DNA and its genetic function. DNA with unique, average and highly repetitive sequence. Genetic code and protein synthesis. DNA in mitochondria and plastids. Biosynthesis and function of messenger, ribosomal and transfer RNAs. Selective activation of genes and differentiation. Interface arrays with peculiar characteristics: polythene chromosomes. The cell cycle: cell division. Stateless cells, diploids and polyploids. The mitosis (equation division) in animal and plant cells. Cell division in prokaryotes. The bacterial "chromosome". Eucariotic chromosomes. Structure of chromosomes. Pattern of the overwhelming ansect chromosome. Meiosis or Reduction Division. Phases and subchapters of meiosis, the meaning of meiosis. Somatic cells and germ cells. Apollo phase and diploid phase. Zygotic, intermediate and terminal meiosis. Special features of gametes. Gametogenesis in upper vertebrates. Gonadal differentiation and protogon migration (only notes). Meiosis: description of the process and its genetic meaning. Nuclear maturation and cytoplasmic maturation. Specificity of egg cell differentiation: synthesis and accumulation of substances of particular importance in the early stages of embryonic development: RNA long-life messengers, specific proteins with informational role (hints).
A practical laboratory experience will be scheduled for 1 hrs: 1) the use of optical microscope; 2) examination of some istological sections.

Cellular Biology:
- C. Lewin “Cellule”, Zanichelli
consultare
Alberts et al., Biologia molecolare della Cellula, Zanichelli
oppure
Alberts et al. L'essenziale di Biologia Cellulare e molecolare Zanichelli
Histology:
(choose one of these books)
Bergem et al; Istologia Edises.
Molinaro et al. Istologia di V. Monesi, Piccin.
Rosati P. et al; Istologia, Edi-Ermes
Wheather, Istologia ed Anatomia microscopica (testo+ atlante)
Histological Atlas:
The book "Wheater, istologia ad anatomia microscopica" contain also this part)
Fiedler Lieder, Atlante di Istologia, Muzzio, 1992.
Kerr Atlante di Istologia Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Further educational materials are available on the institutional link.

Models, theories, laws, measurements and uncerntainty. Unity of measurements (International system). Physics and its relationship with other disciplines.
Description of motion: kinematics in one dimension and in two dimensions; vectors.
Force, mass. Newton’s Laws,; circular motion; gravity.
Work, kinetic energy. Power.
Conservative forces, potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy.
Momentum. Rotatory motion.
Vibrations and waves (harmonic motions, sound).
Equilibrium of bodies. Elasticity.
Fluids (statics, dynamics, viscosity, surface tension).
Temperature and kinetic theory, heat, principles of thermodynamics, thermic engines, entropy.
Electric charge and electric field. Electrostatic potential and energy, capacity, dielettrics.
Electrical currents, resistance. Circuits at constant current.
Laws of magnetism. Electromagnetic induction and Faraday's law. Electromagnetic waves and their spectrum.
Light: geometric optics,
Ondulatory behaviour of light: interference, diffraction, spectroscopy, polarization. Optical instruments.
Quantum theory and Bohr's model of atom. Nuclei and radioactivity. Biological effects of ionizing radiations.

Autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The plant cell. The cell wall. The cytoplasmic membrane. Plastids, chloroplast structure. Vacuole (structure and function).

Plants: structure and function. Vegetable Tissues. Primary and secondary meristematic tissues. Fundamental. Mechanical, Protective, Absorbent, Secretive and Conductive tissues. The root: root functions, primary and secondary structure, lateral and adventitious roots; absorption of water and mineral salts. The stem: stem functions, primary structure in monocotyledons and dicotyledons; Vascular cambium, secondary structure; Cork, phellogen and phelloderm. The leaf: shape, structure and function. Stoma: anatomy and stomatic mechanism.

Traspiration. Photosynthesis. The transportation of raw and processed lymph.

Reproduction: generation alternation: microsporogenesis and microgametogenesis; Macrosporogenesis and macrogametogenesis.
Biological cycles. The flower: morphology. Evolutionary aspects. Reproductive strategies: anemophilous and entomophilous pollination. Fertilization. The fruit: embryo development; endosperm; Fruit development. Seed: structural aspects; Dissemination.

Biodiversity and plant classification. Taxonomy, systematic and evolution. Main morphological, biological, phylogenetic and ecological aspects of: Algae: Euglenoids, Dinoflagellate, Diatoms, Phylum Rhodophyta, Phylum Phaeophyta, Phylum Chlorophyta. Fungi: Chytridiomycota, ex-Zygomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Glomeromycota, mitosporic fungi. Lichens and mycorrhizae. Musci and liverworths: Phylum Bryophyta, Phylum Hepatophyta. Vascular plants: Phylum Lycophyta, Phylum Pteridophyta.

Phylum Coniferophyta Families: Cupressaceae, Pinaceae.
Phylum Anthophyta
Class: Dicotyledones
Main characters of the following families: Magnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Fagaceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, Apiaceae, Brassicaceae, Solanaceae, Boraginaceae, Lamiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Asteraceae.
Class: Monocotyledones
Main charcaters of the following families: Liliaceae, Orchidaceae, Poaceae.

Pasqua G., Abbate G., Forni C., 2015. Botanica generale e diversità vegetale. Piccin Editore
Speranza, Calzoni. Struttura delle piante in immagini. Zanichelli Ed (we strongly recommend to consult the book, of which there are several copies in the library).
Alternatively::
Venturelli F., Virli L., 2009. Invito alla Botanica. Zanichelli, Bologna.
Ray F. Evert, Eichhorn S.E., 2013. La biologia delle piante di Raven. Zanichelli, Bologna

Materiale didattico
Campioni vegetali dell’erbario didattico possono essere visionati presso l'Orto Botanico (previa comunicazione per telefono 0761357028 o per email ortobot@unitus.it)
https://moodle.unitus.it/moodle/course/view.php?id=231

The chordates and phylogenetic relationships of Vertebrates and their characteristics. Sex features and reproduction. Migration of germ cells and gametogenesis. fertilization: processes of sperm maturation and egg, the role of MPF , a meeting of the gametes, fast and slow block of polyspermy, MPF and calcium role in the post-fertilization processes, modification of the cytoplasm. The segmentation events that direct cell division and the formation of the blastocoel, again: MPF role. Gastrulation, cell movements and the formation of sheets: entoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. The molecules that lead the gastrulation (morphogenetic factors and cadherins). The nerulation: formation of the neural tube, neural crest cells and the role of the notochord. extra-embryonal membranes and coelomic pouches formation.Organogenesi formation and organization of the integument, scales and teeth. Organogenesis and organization of skeletal bone (skull, vertebres and apparatus appendiceal) and muscles (notes). Organogenesis and general organization of the central and peripheral nervous system. The endocrine system: hipothalamus-pituitary glands, pineal gland, thyroid / parathyroid, adrenal gland, gonads, intestine. Organogenesis and organization of the respiratory, circulatory and heart. Organogenesis and organization of the urogenital system.
Laboratory (1 CFU- 8 hrs) IT IS NECESSARY TO FOLLOW THE LABORORATORY to gain the credit:
morphogenesis: watching movies, and microscopic preparations related to the development (echinoderms, fish, amphibians, birds, mammals). Practical vision (prepared macroscopic and microscopic): organization of the integument of vertebrates. Skull and skeleton of vertebrates. Organization of the respiratory system (lungs and gills) in Vertebrates. Organization of the circulatory system and the heart in vertebrates. Organization of the urogenital and endocrine systems in vertebrates. Digestive System.

Comparative Anatomy:
- Stingo et al., Anatomia Comparata, ed. ermes
or/and
Liem et al. Anatomia Comparata, Edises

Animal Morphogeny
Gilbert, Biologia dello Sviluppo ed. Zanichelli (some parts of that book).
and take a note of some parts of the book: Giudice et al. Biologia dello sviluppo, Piccin
Examine also: ATLANTI DI ANATOMIA MACROSCOPICA E MICROSCOPICA; and
and Microscopica dei Vertebrati,Unicopoli ed.;
or : Minelli-Del Grande, Atlante di Anatomia dei Vertebrati, Piccin ed.

Further educational materials are available on Institutional link for this course

NUCLEIC ACIDS. The DNA structure. The double helix and Watson-Crick base pairs (DNA B). Alternative DNA secondary structures (DNA A, DNA Z). DNA topology (supercoiling, topoisomerases). DNA denaturation and renaturation. The DNA of organelles (mitochondria and chloroplasts). The RNA structure. Spatial arrangements of RNA.
GENOME EVOLUTION AND ORGANIZATION. The gene: definition and structure in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Unique and repetitive sequences of DNA, coding and noncoding regions. The nucleosome and chromatin organization. Chemical modifications of histone N-terminal tails and their functional significance. DNA methylation.
DNA REPLICATION. Structure and function of DNA polymerase. Fidelity and processivity of DNA polymerase. Specialized DNA polymerases. DNA helicase. The mechanism of DNA replication: initiation phase, strand synthesis, replication fork, termination, telomere and telomerase. Regulation of DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
TRANSCRIPTION IN PROKARYOTES. RNA polymerase. Bacterial promoter recognition. RNA biosynthesis and maturation: initiation, elongation and termination steps.
TRANSCRIPTION IN EUKARYOTES. Eukaryotic promoters. RNA polymerase I, II and III. Key differences in transcription in eukaryotes vs. prokaryotes.
PRINCIPLES OF TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION. Repressors and activators. DNA-binding domains in transcriptional regulators. Examples of gene expression regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
RNA MATURATION. tRNA and rRNA maturation processes. Modifications of eukaryotic mRNA: capping, polyadenylation, editing. The splicing mechanism: chemistry of the reaction, spliceosome assembly, alternative splicing.
TRANSLATION OF GENETIC INFORMATION. The mechanism of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Examples of translation regulation. Non sense-mediated and non stop decay (NMD, NSD).
PROTEIN POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATIONS. Lipidation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, oxidation, ubiquitination and sumoylation of proteins.
MOBILE DNA. Types of transposable elements and their mechanism of action.
INTRACELLULAR SIGNALING. Steroid hormones. Single- and multipass transmembrane receptors. G-proteins, AMPc, PKA, inositol triphosphate, DAG and PKC. Calcium signaling.

BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE di F. Amaldi, P. Benedetti, G. Pesole, P. Plevani (2018-terza ed. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana); BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE: principi e tecniche di M.M. Cox, J.A. Doudna, M. O'Donnel (2013-Zanichelli).

Introduction to the immune system
Glossary,
General properties, components: innate and adaptive immunity, cellular and humoral immunity cytokines and cytokine receptors; chemokines and chemokine receptors
Primary and secondary immune responses
Hints of hematopoiesis: ontogeny of immune cells
Primary and secondary lymphoid organs
Anatomy and Functions
Leukocyte circulation and migration
Lymphocytes homing
Tissue recruitment of leukocytes
Adhesion molecules
Innate immunity and Inflammation
Antigens of innate immunity: Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) and Danger Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs)
Receptors of the innate immune response: Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRR)
Soluble receptors (complement, collectins, pentraxins)
Cytoplasmic receptors (NOD, RIG, TLR)
Membrane receptors (LCR, TLR)
Cells of the innate immunity and inflammatory cells
Monocytes/macrophages (M1/M2)
Dendritic cells (DC)
Polymorphonuclear granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils); mast cells
Phagocytes and phagocytosis: oxygen-independent and –dependent cytotoxic pathways
Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC)
The inflammatory response and Cytokines of innate immunity and inflammatory cytokines; cytokines associated with “type 1" and "type 2” immune responses
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC): HLA; class I and II
Genes;
Molecular structure of gene products, cell expression and functions
Antigen processing and presentation to T cells
Antigen Presenting Cells (APC): origin and functions
Dendritic cells (DCs): immature and mature; receptors and cytokine production
Adaptive Immunity:
Specificity and memory
Naïve, effector and memory lymphocytes
Primary and secondary response
Antigen (Ag) od specific immunity:
Molecular bases of antigenicity; hapten, carrier and antigenic determinant;
immunogenic antigen and factors that determine the immunogenicity
B Cell Receptor (BCR) and T Cell Receptor (TCR)
Genes
Molecular structure of their products
T lymphocyte activation
The TCR/CD3 complex, CD4 and CD8 co-receptors and accessory molecules
Costimulatory and cohinibitory molecules: ligands and receptors
Signal transduction pathways
Helper T Cell (TH1, TH2, TH17); natural and inducible regulatory T cells (Treg)
Polarization and functions
Cytokines of adaptive immunity, receptors and transduction pathways; cytokines associated with “type 1" and "type 2” immune responses
Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL)
Differentiation
Activation
Cytotoxic mechanisms; apoptosis mechanisms
B lymphocyte activation
BCR and Co-receptors
Signal transduction
antibody response
Antibodies (Abs) or immunoglobulins (Igs)
Structure, Classes and Functions
Fc Receptors (FcRs)
T and B cell development and maturation
Positive and negative selection
Central and peripheral tolerance
Antigen receptor gene rearrangement
Complement:
Structure and Functions
Activation pathways (classical, lectin and alternative) and complement regulation
Complement Receptors (CR)
Natural Killer (NK) cells:
development and maturation,
antigen receptors,
activation and signal transduction pathways
cytotoxic and regulatory functions

- Cellular and Molecular Immunology
Abbas A.K., Lichtman A. H., Pillai S.
Ed. Elsevier Masson, 9e, 2018.

- The immune system
Parham P.
Ed. EdiSES, 2e, 2017.

-Immunobiology
Janeway C.A., Murphy K., Travers P., Walport M..
Ed. Piccin, 8e, 2014.

Primer to the immune response
Mak T., Saunders M. .
Ed. Zanichelli, 2012.

Theoretical part (40 hours)
Buffer systems. Ionization of amino acids and proteins as a function of pH. The principles of biochemical research. Error theory. Accuracy and precision. (2 hours)
Spectrophotometry: laws and applications. Lambert-Beer law. Absorption spectrum of nuclei acids and proteins. Spectrophotometric determination of protein concentration: Biuret, Lowry and Bradford methods. Enzyme dosing. Studies on accessibility of ionizable residues in native proteins. Fluorescence and phosphorescence. (7 hours)
Centrifugation. Basic principles of sedimentation. Centrifuges and their use. Rotors. Separation methods in the preparative centrifugation. Differential centrifugation. Density gradient centrifugation. Analytical ultracentrifugation. (4 hours)
Strategies for isolation and purification of proteins. Cellular extraction methods. Dialysis and ultrafiltration. Fractional precipitation with salts, with organic solvents, to the isoelectric point, to heat. (3 hours)
Chromatographic methods: adsorption and partition chromatography, ion exchange, molecular exclusion, affinity, hydrophobic interaction, HPLC, gas chromatography. Efficiency of chromatographic procedures and selection of a convenient method. (6 hours)
Electrophoresis: theory and laws. Classification of electrophoretic methods. Free phase and zonal electrophoresis. Equipment for zonal electrophoresis gel. Gel electrophoresis under native and denaturing conditions (SDS-PAGE). Application of SDS-PAGE. Western blotting. Isoelectrofocusing: principles, equipment and methods. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Capillary electrophoresis. (5 hours)
Studies on the structure of proteins. Determination of amino acid composition, free cysteines, amino acid sequence and disulphide bridges. (4 hours)
Mass spectrometry: principles and application in modern proteomic analysis. (3 hours)
Structural characterization of nucleic acids. PCR. DNA sequencing: automated Sanger method. Southern and Northern blotting. (6 hours)

Practical Part (8 hours)
Determination of the protein concentration of an unknown sample using the Bradford method. Construction of the calibration line both manually on millimeter paper and using the least squares method and comparison of the obtained results. Spectrophotometer display of absorption spectrum of a protein with prosthetic groups and one without and discussion of results (4 hours).
Preparation of a polyacrylamide gel in the presence of SDS (SDS-PAGE) and electrophoretic run with pre-stained molecular weight markers, in order to follow the protein mobility during the electrophoretic process. Illustration of devices for the preparation of agarose gel for nucleic acids and western blotting (4 hours).

Wilson K., Walker J. Principles and techniques of practical biochemistry. 5th ed., 2000, Cambridge University Press (oyìut of print, but available at the library).
Handouts are provided by the teacher for practical laboratory activities.
Lessons slides can be downloaded at:
https://moodle.unitus.it/moodle/course/view.php?id=627
Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the teacher for information about the program, teaching materials, and the examination mode.

1) Basic concepts. Homeostasis; negative and positive feedback: examples; cell metabolism and enzymatic actions.
2) Cell membranes and transport. Active and passive transport, epithelial transport; factors affecting transport; osmosis; sodium-calcium pump; membrane potential; equilibrium potential; electric, chemical, and electrochemical gradient; Nernst equation.
3) Intercellular communication. Chemical messengers: hormones, neurotransmitters, and mechanisms of signal transduction.
4) Endocrine system, glands and hormones. Endocrine organs; mechanisms of hormonal actions.
5) Nervous system physiology. Basis of neuroanatomy; the central nervous system and its organization in vertebrates. the neuron; action potential: temporal dynamic and ionic genesis; propagation of the action potential; myelin sheath and saltatory conduction. Receptors. Examples of neuropathologies and mechanisms of actions of drugs. Neurotransmission: chemical synapses and neurotransmitters. Reflexes: examples. Language; sleep; emotions; learning and memory; synaptic plasticity and molecular basis: long-term potentiation. Basics of sensoria physiology: stimuli, receptors, signal transduction and responses; nociception; vision; hearing, taste, olfaction: examples. Autonomic nervous system and its organization in vertebrates; effects on the different systems. Somatic nervous system, neuroanatomy and neuromuscular junction; neurotoxic subtances.
6) Muscular physiology. Basis of anatomy, histology and cytology of the skeletal muscle tissue. Contraction: molecular mechanisms. Sliding filament model and cross bridge cycle. Coupling of excitation-contraction coupling. Summation and tetanus. Types of muscular fibers.
7) Cardiovascular system. General anatomy, histology and morphology. The heart of mammals Cardiac cycle. ECG. Pacemaker cells and their action potential, electric activity and conduction. Ionic basis of contraction. Cardiac output. Blood vessels, hematic flow, blood pressure. Baroceptors. Regulation by the autonomic nervous system.
8) Physiology of respiration, transport and gas exchange. Anatomy of the respiratory trait. Mechanics of respiration; lung volume and capacity. Gas exchange in the lungs; blood transport of gas; hemoglobin: dissociation curve and factors of variability. Nervous control of respiration Chemoceptors.
9) Kidney physiology. Functional anatomy. The function of the kidneys. The nephrone. Filtration. Pressure gradients, regulation of the velocity of glomerular filtration; tubular reabsorption and secretion. Mechanism of the countercurrent multiplier. Regulation of the composition of the extracellular fluids. ADH and aldosterone. The renine-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Electrolyte regulation. Control of acid-base balance. Renal compensation.
10 Nutrition, digestion and absorption. Digestive system: generality. Digestion and absorption of nutrients and water. Gastrointestinal secretion and its regulation.
11) Regulation of energetic metabolism and growth. General concepts of energy balance. Pancreatic hormones: insulin and glucagon; growth hormone; thyroid hormones; glucocorticoids. Stress response. Oxidative stress. Basis of thermoregulation physiology.
12) Physiology of the reproductive system. Male system: spermatogenesis; androgens. Female system: menstrual cycle and ovulation; hormonal control; fecundation; gestation; parturition; lactation. Progesterone, oxytocine, and prolactin.

Stanfield Cindy L. Principles of Human Physiology, Pearson

The historical development of ecology; Ecology and its domain; Current state of ecological research in Italy. Ecology of organisms-physical environment relationships: conditions; spatial and temporal variations; adaptations in response to changes in environmental conditions; limiting factors; tolerance range; environmental optimum; biological rhythms - factors and climatic elements; classification of climates; bands and phytogeographic zones; outline of paleoclimatology; the soil (solid, fluid and gaseous phase); hints of pedogenesis; soil classifications; humus; biological activity of the soil. Evolutionary ecology: genetic analysis of populations; Hardy-Weinberg's law; genetic variability; evolutionary forces (mutation, selection, gene flow, genetic drift); inbreeding; Wahlund effect; balanced polymorphism - linkage disequilibrium; super-geniuses; genetic divergence; species concept; reproductive isolation mechanisms; speciation mechanisms; hybrid areas and reinforcement; twin species; biodiversity at the genetic level. Field exercises.

L. Bullini, S. Pignatti, A Virzo De Santo, "Ecologia Generale". UTET E.
Odum, "Basi di Ecologia", Piccin Editore. E.
Odum, G.W. Barret "Fundamentals of Ecology", Brooks/Cole Pub Co.
C.J. Krebs "Ecology", Neebo Ed.

General Ecology - The historical development of ecology; Ecology and its domain; Current state of ecological research in Italy. Ecology of the interactions between organisms and the physical environment: Conditions; Spatial and temporal variations; Adaptations in response to variations in environmental conditions; Limiting factors; Tolerance ranges; Environmental optima; Biological rhythms - climatic factors; Classification of climates; Phytogeographic zonation; Hints of paleoclimatology; Soil (solid, fluid and gaseous phase); Elements of paedogenesis; Soil classification; humus; Biological soil activity.
Evolutionary Ecology - Genetic analysis of populations; Hardy-Weinberg's law; Genetic variability; Evolutionary forces (mutation, selection, gene flow, genetic drift); inbreeding; Wahlund effect; Balanced polymorphisms; Linkage disequilibrium; supergenes; Genetic divergence; Species concept; Reproductive isolation mechanisms; Speciation mechanisms; Hybrid zones and reinforcement; Sibling species; Biodiversity at the genetic level.
Population ecology - Demography and dynamics: population structure and growth; Demographic parameters; Demographic tables; Intrinsic growth rate - numerical regulation of populations; Density dependent and independent factors; Exponential growth; environmental carrying capacity - logistic growth curve. Interspecific interactions: symbiosis; commensalism; inquilinism; antibiosis; parasitism; adaptations to parasitic life; coevolution; predation - adaptations to predation; cryptism; mimicry; intraspecific competition; interspecific competition; ecological niche; Principle of competitive exclusion; character displacement; r and K selection.

L. Bullini, S. Pignatti, A Virzo De Santo, "Ecologia Generale". UTET
E. Odum, "Basi di Ecologia", Piccin Editore.
M. L. Cain, W. D. Bowman, S. D. Hacker, “Ecologia”. Piccin Editore.
Krebs "Ecology", Neebo Ed.