MICR1713-1 : Extremophile microorganisms

Study Programmes 2015-2016

MICR1713-1

Extremophile microorganisms

Duration :

15h Th

Number of credits :

Master in biochemistry and molecular and cell biology (120 ECTS)		2

Lecturer :

Georges Feller, Moreno Galleni, Annick Wilmotte

Coordinator :

Moreno Galleni

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

The objectives of this course 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).

Learning outcomes of the course :

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

15 Hours of teaching Language: French/English