Biology of Symbiotic and Parasitic Interactions

The overall objective of this course unit is to deepen students’ understanding of the concepts necessary for studying symbiotic interactions, whether parasitic or mutualistic. To this end, we will examine both the specific characteristics and the ubiquity of the parasitic lifestyle across the tree of life. We will discuss the defense mechanisms of host organisms, the concepts of favoring and manipulation, the consequences of host-symbiont interactions on life history traits, and the influence of these interactions on the diversification of organisms.

The lab sessions will provide an opportunity to explore these concepts in greater depth using examples of major interactions involving symbionts (viruses, bacteria, and unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes) and a variety of hosts (both unicellular and multicellular).

- Understand the biology of parasitic and symbiotic interactions (diversity, morphological, anatomical, and physiological aspects related to the interaction)

- Understand the life cycles of key symbiotic and parasitic organisms, including the concepts of facilitation and manipulation

- Examine the molecular aspects of host-symbiont interactions (defense and evasion strategies and mechanisms, including immunobiological interactions, extended phenotype—behavior, resistance, tolerance, circumvention of host defenses, promotion, manipulation)

- Interactions and evolution (symbionts as drivers of evolution, the evolution of symbiotic interactions, coevolution, coadaptations, co-speciation, the Red Queen).

Comprehensive ongoing assessment: 100%