Subject Code & Name: BT25405 – Molecular Biology
Regulation: R-2025
Semester: IV (Fourth Semester)
Branch: B.Tech. Biotechnology (Biotech)
Credits / L-T-P: 5 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-4
Course Objectives
- To familiarize the students with the basic cellular processes at molecular level and provide hands-on experience in performing basic molecular biology techniques.
Full Unit-wise Syllabus
Unit I – Chemistry of Nucleic Acids
Historical overview of nucleic acids – Structure and physicochemical properties of DNA and RNA, Chargaff’s rule, Conformational variants of double helical DNA – Hogsteen base pairing – DNA supercoiling – topoisomerase – Denaturation and hyperchromic effect – Genome complexity: DNA re-association kinetics, Cot curve, C-value paradox, repetitive and unique sequences.
Practical: 1. Agarose gel electrophoresis. 2. Isolation of Genomic DNA (Bacteria, Plant & Blood) 3. Isolation of Plasmid DNA 4. Spectrophotometric analysis of DNA - Quantity and Purity
Activities: Construct a 3D model of DNA & RNA, identifying key features such as base pairing, double helix conformations, and differences between DNA and RNA.
Unit II – DNA Replication & Repair
Overview of Central dogma – DNA replication: Meselson & Stahl experiment, bi–directional DNA replication, Okazaki fragments, Enzymes involves in DNA replication, Fidelity of DNA replication, Inhibitors of DNA replication, Overview of differences in prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication - Telomere replication in eukaryotes - D-loop and rolling circle mode of replication – Mutagens, DNA mutations and their mechanism – Various types of repair mechanisms.
Practical: 1. AMES Test
Activities: DNA replication using diagrams or animations, create a flowchart showing enzymes involves in replication and compare the different repair mechanisms.
Unit III – Transcription
Mechanism of RNA transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; promoters, enhancers, repressors - RNA processing: processing of heterogeneous nuclear RNA: splicing, capping, polyadenylation – Ribozymes - Fidelity of RNA synthesis - Inhibitors of transcription.
Practical: 1. Isolation and Quantification of Total RNA.
Activities: Construct a working model to illustrate the process of Transcription and Group activities about post-transcriptional modifications such as RNA splicing, capping, and polyadenylation.
Unit IV – Translation
Introduction to Genetic code: Elucidation of genetic code, Codon degeneracy, Wobble hypothesis and its importance, genetic code in mitochondria - Prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation process – Inhibitors of translation – Post- translational modifications and its importance.
Practical: 1. Bacterial Conjugation 2. Bacterial Transduction
Activities: Decoding of mRNA sequences using the genetic code table and demonstrating the concept of codon degeneracy and wobble hypothesis. Prepare a detailed flowchart illustrating the process of protein translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Unit V – Gene Regulation
Organization of genes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes - Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes - Operon concept, lac & trp operons - Regulation in eukaryotes, Control by promoter, enhancer and silencers, Cis-trans elements – Epigenetic regulation.
Practical: 1. Transformation (Blue White Screening) 2. Transformation of yeast
Activities: A group discussion analyzing gene regulation mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Provide a simple model showing gene expression (lac and trp operons) under different conditions.
Course Outcomes (COs)
- CO1: Understand the structure, organization, and functions of nucleic acids in biological systems.
- CO2: Apply the principles of the central dogma to explain the flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins.
- CO3: Analyze the mechanisms of DNA replication, repair, and genome maintenance in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- CO4: Evaluate the processes of transcription, translation, and gene regulation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.
- CO5: Design molecular biology strategies using recombinant DNA technology, PCR, electrophoresis, and other molecular techniques for biotechnology applications.
Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)
- Weightage: Continuous Assessment 50% | End Semester Examinations 50%
- Internal methodology: Quiz (5%), Assignments (20%), Flipped Class (5%), Practical (30%), Internal Examinations (40%)
Source: Official Anna University – B.Tech. Biotechnology R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: October 2026
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