Content (Syllabus outline)
Comparative physiology of selected microbial metabolic processes important in biotechnological applications of microorganisms and/or relevant for their influence on a host. Microbial stress responses to starvation, temperature changes, pH, osmolarity, oxidative stress, bioactive compounds. Physiological of role of antibiotics. Microbial growth kinetics in batch and in chemostat cultures. Biosynthesis of microbial cell. Examples of approaches to evaluate enzyme kinetics. Metabolic microarrays and their applications to study microbial physiology. Physiology and differentiation of microbial biofilms. Phenotypic differentiation and bi-stability of gene expression. Function and structure of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Microbial communications: quorum sensing and evolution of social interactions in microorganisms. Mechanisms and regulation of microbial motility: swarming and gliding. Contact inhibition and mechanisms of self/nonself recognition, territoriality.
Prerequisites
Requirements for enrolment:
Enrolment in the Biotechnology /Food Science and Technology or related MSc program. Prerequisites: basic level (BSc) knowledge of genetics, microbiology, biochemistry.
Terms of Prerequisites:
Mandatory presence at tutorials and seminars. Positive grades in assessment of lab work and seminars are prerequisite to attend the written exam. Mandatory presence at tutorials and seminars. Positive grades in assessment of lab work and seminars are prerequisite to attend the written exam.