Cell Biology

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Objectives

• To develop basic knowledge about the organization and functional diversity of living systems;
• To identify the different levels of cellular organization;
• To understand the ultrastructure, function, and interaction of different subcellular components;
• To distinguish the various membrane transport mechanisms;
• To explain the processes of intercellular communication and its importance;
• To discuss the dynamics of the endomembrane system;
• To identify the major constituents of the cytoskeleton and its function;
• To describe the phases of the cell cycle and the main control mechanisms;
• To recognize the cell as the headquarters of all the metabolic activity of the organism;
• To present examples of methods of study of the cell;
• To demonstrate attitudes of research and exploration of information;
• To grasp basic laboratory techniques in optical microscopy and cytochemistry.

Program

Theoretical lectures:

1. The cell theory. Origin, evolution and diversity of living things. Distinctive properties of living systems.

2. Plasma membrane and transmembrane transport. Intercellular communication.

3. Role of the cytoskeleton in cell motility and support - microfilaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules.

4. The endomembrane system and the secretory and endocytic pathways: endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and lysosomes.

5. Mitochondria and oxidative phosphorylation. Chloroplasts and photosynthesis. Peroxisomes.

6. The nucleus. Cell division. Cell cycle regulation.

Practical and Laboratory classes:

1. Methods to study the cell.

1.1. Fundamentals of optical and electron microscopy.

1.2. Cytochemical methods.

1.3. Cell fractionation.

1.4. Chromatography and electrophoresis.

1.5. Immunocytochemistry.

2. Microscopic study of diversity and cellular organization.

3. Study of the cell cycle and membrane permeability.

Teaching Methodologies

The approach to the concepts will be based of schemes/illustrative images, to guide the student to the fundamental aspects of cell morphology and physiology. They  will be encouraged to research further information to help them understand the role of cellular components and how their interaction ensures the normal metabolic activity of organisms. Consolidation, integration and application of information will be complemented in practical and laboratory classes, through exploration and discussion of different themes (problem based learning) and completion of laboratory activities developed after discussion of experimental methodologies to apply. The training process must have the active participation of students, encouraging the discussion in the class and the consolidation of knowledge.

Bibliography

1. Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K e Walker P (2007). Molecular Biology of the Cell. 5ª edição, Garland Science, New York.
2. Azevedo C, Claudio E. Sunkel CE (2012). Biologia Celular e Molecular. 5ª edição, Lidel - Edições Técnicas, Lda, Porto.
3. Cooper GM e Hausman RE (2013). The Cell, A Molecular Approach. 6ª edição, Sinauer Associates, Inc., Publishers, Sunderland, MA
4. Lodish H, Berk A, Kaiser CA, Krieger M, Bretscher A, Ploegh H, Amon A e Scott MP (2012). Molecular Cell Biology. 7ª edição, W. H. Freeman and Company, New York.

Code

0101589

ECTS Credits

6

Classes

  • Práticas e Laboratórios - 30 hours
  • Teóricas - 30 hours
  • Teórico-Práticas - 15 hours

Evaluation Methodology

  • Theoretical / Practical and Practical Component: 40%
  • Theoretical component : 60%