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Practical molecular biology - MB140C35

Title:	Practical molecular biology
Czech title:	Praktická molekulární biologie
Guaranteed by:	Department of Genetics and Microbiology (31-140)
Faculty:	Faculty of Science
Actual:	from 2025
Semester:	summer
E-Credits:	3
Examination process:	summer s.:
Hours per week, examination:	summer s.:0/1, C [TS]
Capacity:	15
Min. number of students:	6
4EU+:	no
Virtual mobility / capacity:	no
State of the course:	taught
Language:	English
Level:	basic
Note:	enabled for web enrollment

Guarantor:	Mgr. Martin Kuthan, Ph.D.
Teacher(s):	RNDr. Michal Čáp, Ph.D. Mgr. Martin Kuthan, Ph.D.
Class:	Horizontální laminární box 120 cm Elektroforéza DNA horizontální Zdroj napětí na elektroforézu Pipetmany (sada) Termoblok Mikrocentrifuga stolní Mikrocentrifuga malá Dataprojektor Mikroskop badatelský Původní předmět

Opinion survey results SS schedule

Annotation -

One-week practical course aims at introduction to basic methods of molecular biology and provides both practical
and theoretical training in laboratory. The selected experiments allow students to practice basic methods of
molecular biology used in the field of DNA and protein research.

Last update: Lichá Irena, RNDr., CSc. (17.05.2021)

Literature -

Alberts et al., Základy buněčné biologie: Úvod do molekulární biologie buňky. Espero Publishing, 2005 (český překlad)
Alberts et al., Molecular biology of the cell, Garland Science, 2002
Lodish et al., Molecular cell biology, Freeman 2000
Watson et al., Molecular Biology of the Gene, Pearson, 2004
Watson et al., Rekombinantní DNA : krátký kurs, Academia, 1988

Last update: Kuthan Martin, Mgr., Ph.D. (23.02.2026)

Syllabus -

Students will learn about methods of isolation, purification, and separation of biomacromolecules and methods of genetic engineering. Using selected examples, they will learn to solve problems requiring the use of molecular biology methods.

Last update: Kuthan Martin, Mgr., Ph.D. (23.02.2026)

Learning outcomes -

1. Practical Skills (Hands-on)

Objectives for your laboratory work:

Demonstrate manual dexterity: Work with micropipettes with high precision, even when pipetting viscous solutions and sensitive enzymes.
Prepare gels: Independently assemble the apparatus and pour both agarose and polyacrylamide gels without bubbles.
Maintain sterility: Apply the principles of aseptic technique.
Isolate nucleic acids:

Perform the isolation of genomic DNA from biological material.
Obtain plasmid DNA using the alkaline lysis method.

Master the instrumentation: Correctly set up and safely operate the thermocycler, electrophoresis power supplies, and electroporator.

2. Understanding

Understand what you are doing:

Distinguish separation principles: Explain the difference between DNA and protein separation.
Justify reaction conditions: Describe the function of individual components in the PCR mixture and the significance of temperatures.
Clarify transformation: Explain the principle of electroporation and the necessity of selection pressure for plasmid maintenance.

3. Analytical and Interpretative Outcomes

Evaluate your results:

Analyze the electrophoretogram:

Determine the size of DNA and protein fragments by comparison with a marker.
Identify plasmid forms on the gel.

Control quality:

Diagnose the PCR result.
Critically evaluate DNA purity.

Calculate: Calculate transformation efficiency based on electroporation results.

4. Organizational and Safety Outcomes

Manage your work:

Coordinate experiments: Plan your time effectively to complete all steps within the given timeframe.
Maintain a laboratory notebook: Record all steps accurately and legibly.

Last update: Čáp Michal, RNDr., Ph.D. (08.01.2026)