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Classical papers in molecular genetics
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 28 hours
  • Course by University of Geneva
  • Offered by

About

You have all heard about the DNA double helix and genes. Many of you know that mutations occur randomly, that the DNA sequence is read by successive groups of three bases (the codons), that many genes encode enzymes, and that gene expression can be regulated. These concepts were proposed on the basis of astute genetic experiments, as well as often on biochemical results. The original articles were these concepts appeared are however not frequently part of the normal curriculum of biologists, biochemists and medical students. This course proposes to read study and discuss a small selection of these classical papers, and to put these landmarks in their historical context. Most of the authors displayed interesting personal histories and many of their contributions go beyond not only the papers we will read but probably all their scientific papers. Our understanding of the scientific process, of the philosophy underlying the process of scientific discovery, and on the integration of new concepts is not only important for the history of science but also for the mental development of creative science.

Modules

Introduction

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Introduction

Genes and enzymes

    • 6 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Beadle & Tatum

6 Videos

  • Part 1 - Perspective
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4
  • Part 5
  • Part 6

2 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Readings (to be read before lectures 4-6)

DNA as the genetic material

    • 7 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Avery Questions

7 Videos

  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4
  • Part 5
  • Part 6
  • Part 7 - Quantitative analysis of transformation

2 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Readings (to be read before lectures 4-6)

Origin of mutations, the fluctuation test

    • 4 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Origin of mutations

4 Videos

  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4

2 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Readings: Read the papers before watching Part 3 & Part 4

The DNA double helix

    • 5 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • DNA structure and the fidelity of replication

5 Videos

  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4
  • Part 5

2 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Read the papers before watching parts 3 to 5

Gene fine structure and topography

    • 6 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Topography and gene fine structure

6 Videos

  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4
  • Part 5
  • Part 6

2 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Read the 1961 topography paper before watching parts 5 & 6

The genetic code

    • 7 Videos
    • 4 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The genetic code

7 Videos

  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4
  • Part 5
  • Part 6
  • Part 7

4 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Read the Champe & Benzer paper before watching Part 2
  • Read the Crick paper before watching parts 5 to 7
  • Sequence of the end of rIIA and the beginning of rIIB

Nonsense mutations

    • 5 Videos
    • 4 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Nonsense mutations

5 Videos

  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4
  • Part 5

4 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Read the Champe & Benzer paper before watching part 2
  • Read the Brenner paper before watching parts 3 to 5
  • Readings comment on the origin of amber suppressor strains

Conditional mutants, phage T4 genome and development

    • 4 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • T4 conditional mutants and phage assembly

4 Videos

  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4

3 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Read the Epstein paper before watching part 2
  • Read the Edgar & Wood paper before watching parts 3 & 4

Conjugation and recombination in bacteria

    • 6 Videos
    • 5 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Recombination and Hfr matings

6 Videos

  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4
  • Part 5
  • Part 6

5 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Read the Tatum and Lederberg paper before watching parts 2 to 4
  • Read the Wollman & Jacob paper before watching part 5
  • Read the review by Wollman et al. before watching part 6
  • Readings

Negative regulation of gene expression, the lactose operon

    • 7 Videos
    • 5 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The lactose operon

7 Videos

  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4
  • Part 5
  • Part 6
  • Part 7

5 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Read the Pardee et al paper before watching part 5
  • Read the Jacob et al short paper before watching part 6
  • Read the Jacob and Monod review before watching part 7
  • Readings

Negative regulation: the cro gene of phage lambda and lysogeny

    • 4 Videos
    • 4 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The cro gene of phage lambda

4 Videos

  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4

4 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Read the Bertani 1951 paper before watching part 3
  • Read the Eisen 1971 paper before watching part 4
  • Readings

Positive regulation of gene expression, the arabinose system

    • 6 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The arabinose system and positive control

6 Videos

  • Part 1
  • Part 2
  • Part 3
  • Part 4
  • Part 5
  • Part 6

3 Readings

  • Figures in this module
  • Read the Engelsberg et al. paper before watching parts 4 to 6
  • Readings

Auto Summary

Explore the fascinating history of molecular genetics in this engaging course, "Classical Papers in Molecular Genetics," offered by Coursera. Dive deep into the foundational concepts of genetics such as the DNA double helix, gene mutations, codons, enzymes, and gene regulation through the lens of groundbreaking scientific papers. This course uniquely focuses on reading, studying, and discussing a curated selection of pivotal historical papers that have shaped our current understanding of genetics. It provides a comprehensive historical context and sheds light on the intriguing personal stories of the pioneering authors behind these influential works. Designed for students and professionals in biology, biochemistry, and medicine, this foundational-level course spans a total of 1680 minutes. It emphasizes the scientific process, the philosophy of scientific discovery, and the integration of new concepts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the history and creativity in science. Available through a Starter subscription, this course is ideal for anyone looking to enrich their knowledge of molecular genetics and the key experiments that have driven this field forward. Join now and embark on a journey through the essential literature that continues to inspire and inform scientific innovation.

Dominique Belin
Instructor

Dominique Belin