Learning outcomes
Objectives and expected learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the courses students will be able to:
• know the meaning of “Cell” and understand basic cell functions
• acquire basic knowledge of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells composition, structure and
function
• understand the role of biological macromolecules, cellular homeostasis and communication
SYLLABUS
Theory
1. Introduction to Cell Biology: Building Stones – Cellular Organization: Organisms’ origin and evolution. Building blocks – from biomolecules to cells. Bonds of building blocks and biomolecules. Historical background of cell Biology. Role of Cell Biology in Life Sciences
2. Cellular organization: Cellular theory, the concept of cell, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell organization and structure. Structure of chromosomes – genes organization.
3. Biological micromolecules and macromolecules (Nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids)
4. Flow of genetic information: Levels of DNA organization: Coding, storage —packaging and decoding of genetic information. Nucleus, Chromosomal components. Nuclear envelop, cytoskeleton and nuclear pores. Transcription – Translation, Protein synthesis. The prokaryotic ribosome. The eukaryotic ribosome. Mechanism of protein synthesis. Simultaneous mRNA translation from multiple ribosomes.
5. Cellular system organization and function: cell structure and function dynamics. Structure and function of representative cell types.
6. Structure and function of biological membranes and separator bilayers: Biological membrane components. Membrane liquidity and regulation of liquidity in organisms. Special methodology. Cell membrane properties. Membrane models of structure and operation. Specialized membrane systems.
7. Structure and function of cellular organelles: Cellular organelles for energy production and conversion. Mitochondria and Chloroplasts.
8. Mitochondria morphology, composition and function: Relation of structure and operation. Chloroplasts morphology, composition and function. Distribution and origin of their components. Semi-autonomy of structure and operation.
9. Organelles for biomolecules conversion and degradation – Other organelles and cell structures: Peroxysomes and Lysosomes. Peroxisomes morphology and function.
10. Lysosomes morphology and function. Involvement of lysosomes in the process of cytophagy. Lysosomes contribution to cellular function. Cellular Fibrils – Cytoskeleton.
11. Hyper molecular structures: Viruses-phages. Composition of macromolecules,
supramolecular structures, viruses and phages. Self-assembly of proteins. Self-assembly of viruses and phages. The lytic and lysigonic cycle of bacteriophages.
12. Cellular Communication and Connection – Extracellular Substances: Morphological expression of communication: Cellular connections. Communication links. Role of receptors and intracellular signaling pathways. Cell binding molecules. Cell adhesion. Chemotactics. Components,organization and functions of extracellular substances. Collagen and elastines.
13. Cell Cycle – Reproduction: Cell growth and division. Interphase. Cell cycle regulation during interphase – Cell cycle evolution and distinct control points. Setting of cell cycle control points. Mitosis and cytokinesis. Mechanisms that control mitosis. Meiosis. Stages of meiosis I and II.
14. Signal transduction principles: Role of protein phosphorylation in signal transduction.
15. Classification of biological signals. Growth factors. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).Role of signal transduction in cell differentiation and development. Cell cultures.