Syllabus
Molecular taxonomy, prokaryotic species prokaryotic x eukaryotic species, phylogenetic markers and their sensitivity, singlegene x multigene x whole-genome approaches
Early evolution, major branches two prokaryotic realms and their discovery, LUCA and its predicted feaures, prokaryotic influence on early ecosystems, eukaryogenesis from archaea
Systematics I
Terrabacteria: major taxa, their evolution and distinctive traits
Systematics II
Hydrobacteria: major taxa, their evolution and distinctive traits
Sources and mechanisms of evolutionary variability point mutations, frameshift mutations (contingency loci), IS elements, hypermutability (mutation rate, evolution of evolvability), horizontal gene transfer and mobile genetic elements
Evolution of patogenicity evolutionary trajectory from a fre--living to pathogenic bacterium, immune evasion, obligate host association, genetically monomorpic pathogens
Evolution of defence protection from MGE (CRISPR,RM systems), protection of MGE from host defenses, evolution of ATB resistance
Evoluce kooperace nutritional symbioses (sap-feeding insects, hydrothermal vents, rhizobia), bioluminescent symbioses
Annotation
This course provides a global overview of evolution and taxonomy of prokaryotes. In the systematic part, taxonomic approaches are presented and important taxa are described. In the evolutionary part, emphasis is put on evolution of peculiar prokaryotic lifestyles (nutrient symbionts, pathogens). The course further focuses on sources of evolutionary variability and evolution of defence against selective pressures of biotic nature (selfish genetic elements, antibiotics, host immune system).
Basic courses in Microbiology and Evolutionary biology are recommended as a prerequisite.