Cell Biology

Biologia Celular

Curse code:9494102

Ana Clara Guerreiro de Oliveira Ribeiro

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

The aim of this curricular unit is the acquisition of fundamental concepts regarding the functioning of living systems, studying in detail the simplest living system, the cell and their interactions with the environment.
Students' knowledge acquired previously will be developed, i.e. students should be able to explain at the molecular level the functioning of the cell and to understand different regulatory mechanisms which are indispensable for the proper functioning of living beings.
Knowledge in molecular biology is essential for understanding different diseases that will be discussed and analysed, and it is also important for the pharmaceutical industry.

Syllabus:

1. PRINCIPLES OF CELL ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTION
   Characteristics of living systems.
   Concept of cell.
   General characterization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
   Molecular constitution of cells.
   Biological membranes.
   General functioning of cells.
   Viruses.
2. MOLECULAR GENETICS
   Concept of gene.
   Chromatin and chromosomes.
   Mechanisms of gene expression and its regulation.
   Genetic code.
   Molecular mechanism of translation.
   Cell cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis mechanisms.
   DNA replication and repair.
3. TRANSPORT MECHANISMS OF MOLECULES THROUGH BIOLOGICAL MEMBRANES
   Passage of small molecules and macromolecules through membranes.
   Secretion pathway.
   Protein traffic for different organelles.
   Cellular Transduction Mechanisms.
4. ORGANIZATION AND DYNAMICS OF CYTOSKELETON
   Cytoskeleton.
   Microfilaments and microtubules.
   Function of microtubules during mitosis.
   Intermediate filaments.
   The junctions and communication between cells, adhesion and extracellular matrix.

Suggested Bibliography:

• Lodish H, Berk A, Kaiser CA, Krieger M, Bretscher A, Ploegh H, Amon A, Martin KC (2016) Molecular Cell Biology. 8th ed., W.H. Freeman and Company, New York. ISBN-13: 978-1464183393.
• Cooper GM & Hausman RE (2013) The Cell, a Molecular Approach. 6th ed., Sinauer Associates, Inc., USA. ISBN: 978-1-60535-155-1.
• Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Morgan D, Raff M (2014) Molecular Biology of the Cell. 6th ed., Garland Publishing, Inc., London. ISBN-13: 978-0815344322.
• Alberts B, Roberts K, Lewis J, Hopkin K, Jonhson A, Walter P, Raff M, Bray D (2003) Essential cell biology: an introduction to the molecular biology of the cell. 2nd ed., Garland Publishing, Inc., New York & London. ISBN-13: 9780815334804.
• Azevedo C & Sunkel C (2012) Biologia Celular e Molecular. 5th ed., Lidel, edições técnicas, Lisboa. ISBN 978-972-757-692-0.