2017-2018 / MICR1713-1

Extremophile microorganisms

Duration

15h Th

Number of credits

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

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

Learning unit 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 learning unit

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

Recommended or required readings

Copy of the Powerpoint presentations and transparencies

Assessment methods and criteria

Presentation of papers

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Course given in collaboration with Prof. Moreno Galleni and Dr Georges Feller.

Contacts

Dr Moreno Galleni Centre for Protein Engineering B6 University of Liège 4000 Liège Belgium 32 4 366 3549