Adaptations to Parasitism

Adaptations to a “parasitic” lifestyle are studied across all parasitic organisms (viruses, bacteria, eukaryotes), encompassing various scales of analysis “from molecules to populations.”

Thus, the coevolution between hosts and parasites will be examined from the perspective of host–parasite molecular and cellular interactions (immunity, evasion, exploitation of host resources, etc.), as well as the morpho-anatomical structures involved in adaptation to the sub-host site or in survival in the external environment, and finally from the perspective of behavioral adaptations for encountering the host (facilitation).

For BE students,

- EU Eukaryotic Parasites: Strongly Recommended (but Not Required)

 - Undergraduates in their first and second years, "Microorganisms" course unit

For Microbio students

- a basic understanding of Cell Biology and Evolution in the first and second years of college 

-EU Eukaryotic parasites: strongly recommended (but not required)

CC Evaluations

-A simple assessment (fill-in-the-blank questions, multiple-choice questions) of basic concepts

-1 group project: summary of adaptations

-1 individual written exam

Leaders: Laurent Gavotte, Anne-Sophie Gosselin-Grenet, Catherine Moulia, Mathieu Sicard

Contact information for the person(s) in charge (phone/email): 06.43.65.03.98

laurent.gavotte@umontpellier.fr/anne-sophie.gosselin-grenet@umontpellier.fr, catherine.moulia@umontpellier.fr, mathieu.sicard@umontpellier.fr

- A3—Understand the different levels of organization, from the organism to the biosphere, and their interactions

- B5 - Understand the relationships between genotype and phenotype (morphology and anatomy, behavior, interactions) and their evolution

-B10- Be able to interpret the phenotypes of organisms in evolutionary terms (relationships between environments and adaptations)

-D2- Understanding of major physiological functions and their diversity, in interaction with the biotic or abiotic environment / D5- Understanding of structure-function relationships at different scales of the organism / D7- Understanding of biological mechanisms at the organismal, cellular, and molecular levels, within an eco-evolutionary context

- I1 through A: scientists; and I 5 through 6: information processing