University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2011-2012Last update : 14/06/2012
MICR0713-1  Extremophile microorganisms

Duration :  25h Th, 25h Pr
Number of credits :  
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Research Focus, 2nd yearFirst semester5
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Teaching Focus, 2nd yearFirst semester5
Master in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Professional Focus in Industrial Biochemistry, 2nd yearFirst semester5
Master en biochimie et biologie moléculaire et cellulaire, à finalité spécialisée en bioinformatique et modélisation, 2nd yearFirst semester5
Lecturer :  Georges Feller, Moreno Galleni, Annick Wilmotte
Coordinator :  Annick Wilmotte
Language(s) of instruction :  
French language
Course contents :  
The objectives of this thematic week are to tackle the following questions: which are the actual physico-chemical limits of Life on Earth? Which is the phylogenetic and metabolic diversity of the organisms living in extreme conditions? Which mechanisms have they invented to accomplish their life cycle in these conditions?
The adaptations of organisms to extreme conditions (pH, temperature, pressure, osmotic pressure) will be analysed. The phylogenetic analyses allow to localize the extremophilic organisms in the three branches of the Tree of Life, and we will examine their diversity in the global context of the rise and evolution of Life in our solar system. Moreover, for evolution and diversity, it is necessary that new mechanisms allow for genetic 'novelty' and adaptations. The different types of mechanisms will be presented, from mutations to lateral gene transfer. Then, 2 particular groups of microorganisms will be presented in more details (Cyanobactéries et Archébactéries).


Three courses are given in the frame of the Thematic week:
1) Diversity of the extremophiles (A.Wilmotte) 1H30
2) Genetic adaptation (A. Wilmotte) 1H30
3) Cyanobacteria, Archea (A. Wilmotte) 2H
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
25 Hours of teaching
Language: French/English
Recommended or required readings :  
Copy of the Powerpoint presentations and transparencies
Assessment methods and criteria :  
Presentation of papers
Organizational remarks :  
Course given in collaboration with Prof. Moreno Galleni and Dr Georges Feller. Foreign scientists are invited to give seminars.
Contacts :  
Fr Annick Wilmotte
Centre for Protein Engineering B6
University of Liège
4000 Liège Belgium
32 4 366 38 56


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