The objective of the course is to provide students with knowledge on the mechanisms of evolution of the different sequences composing a genome. This understanding is necessary to be able to choose appropriate molecular DNA sequences to be used for population genetics studies, to construct molecular phylogenies or to develop barcoding tools. The concepts and limits of the different methods will be presented together with an initiation to molecular phylogeny.

• MOLECULAR EVOLUTION : Nuclear genome: heterogeneity and the C-value paradox, different sequences (tandemly repeated Satellite, minisatellites, microsatellites, ribosomal DNA, telomeres.. or dispersed_transposable elements, Lines, Sines..). Mode and rate of evolution of these sequences (neutral theory, molecular clock, concerted evolution, genic conversion, unequal crossing over...) Special focus on microsatellite sequences evolution. Role of these sequences (selfish DNA hypothesis...).Mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes: sequences, rates and modes of evolution.

• CHOOSING SEQUENCES:

  • For population genetics

  • For phylogeny (and introduction to phylogenetic methods)

  • For DNA barcoding (in plants and animals, concepts and limits)

• Exercises = scientific papers analysis: results analysis, discussion and critical reading.

• Practical classes = Phylogenetic analysis of ribosomal DNA sequences, FISH (Fluorescent in situ hybridisation) technique presentation and results analyses.

• ECTS: 3

• Nombre d'heures: 18 h CM ; 8 h TD ; 9 h TP

• Langue d’enseignement : anglais

• Responsable pédagogique : Pascale Besse

• Semestre 2 (mutualisé avec parcours Tropimundo)