Cell Biology

Objectives

It is intended that students obtain:

1. Knowledge of the basic principles of biochemistry and main experimental methodologies for the study of cell.

2. Understanding the properties common to all eukaryotic cells: expression and transmission of genetic information, the internal organization of cells, cell signalling pathways, cell division and cell death. These skills are fundamental to the subjects that are taught throughout the course.

Acquisition of basic knowledge about the cellular function necessary for understanding all biological processes, as well as learning basic methodology to study cells.

Program

The evolution of the cell. Understanding chemical components of cells and cellular energy. Methods for studying cell: microscopy, cell fractionation and analysis of their molecules. Basic genetic mechanisms: transcription, mRNA processing, translation, and DNA replication. Mechanisms of DNA repair. Composition of biomembranes and membrane transport. Internal organization of the cells: the cytosol, structure and function of various organelles (peroxisomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria). Nucleus and nucleolus. Cytoskeleton. Intercellular junctions, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix. Cell signaling. Cell death and cancer. Cell cycle. Meiosis. Laboratory program Cytological Techniques: i) Wet mounts ii) Final preparations without inclusion; iii) Final preparations with inclusion Measurement of cells, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Separation of cells.

Teaching Methodologies

Lectures (3 hours/week): master classes illustrated using data show and videos. The laboratory work (2 hours/week) is performed individually and according to the schedule previously established. In the first lecture is provided all the fundamentals and protocols of work performed in the laboratory classes. In laboratory classes students will report to the corresponding literature search conducted on topics proposed by the Lecturers.

Bibliography

Lodish, H., Berk, A. , Kaiser, C., Krieger, M., Scott, M., Bretscher, A., Ploegh, H., Matsudaira, P. (2007) Molecular Cell Biology. New York, NY: Scientific American Books, W.H. Freeman Company.

Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Walter, P. (2008) Molecular biology of the cell. New York, NY: Garland Science.

Azevedo, C. (2005) Biologia Celular e Molecular. Lidel, edições técnicas.