Cell and Molecular Biology
Module: FUNDAMENTALS
Matter: MEDICINE I
Main language of instruction: Spanish
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
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Head instructor
Dr. Miguel BOSCH - miquelbosch@uic.es
Office hours
Students can make an appointment with the teacher when they deem convenient through the email:
Miquel Bosch: miquelbosch@uic.es
This course aims to address the molecular mechanisms of cell function as a fundamental unit of biology. It is a theoretical course of cytology oriented to basic scientific knowledge. It will deal in detail with the relationship between the structure and the function of the cell, its anatomical components (membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, internal organelle, etc.) and the main physiological processes (cell division, protein synthesis and transport, cell signaling, homeostasis, differentiation, cell death, etc.). The flow of genetic information through the replication, transcription and translation processes, as well as their corresponding regulatory mechanisms, will be explained. The subject will also give us an overview of the use of energy, communication of the cell with its environment, and tissue development, as well as the different experimental techniques in cellular and molecular biology. Finally, it is intended that the student become familiar with the scientific method, the search for scientific information and the interpretation of research articles
Chemistry and Biochemistry from the first semester.
The objectives of this course are:
- That the student acquires an integrated knowledge of the morphological structures of the eukaryotic cell, the molecular mechanisms of cell physiology, and of how cells interact with their environment.
- Explain the molecular mechanisms of the flow of genetic information and its regulation.
- That the student becomes familiar with the experimental methodology applied in Molecular and Cellular Biology.
- That the student acquires contact with the scientific literature, to able to understand and interpret the results presented in a scientific paper.
By completing this course the student should be able to acquire basic scientific knowledge about the mechanisms involved in the structure and function of cells and the molecular mechanisms of the flow of genetic information. Must be able to solve the exercises and problems raised throughout the syllabus by using the necessary tools and methodologies. Likewise, the student must become familiar with the methodology applied in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and be able to understand and interpret the results presented in a scientific article.
PART I – Introduction to the cell.
Chapter 1 – Introduction to the course of Cell and Molecular Biology.
Chapter 2 – Introduction to the scientific method. Research projects in fundamental cell biology and its relationship with Bioengineering.
Chapter 3 – Universal characteristics of all cells. Universal dogma of the flow of genetic information.
Chapter 4 – Genomic diversity. Cell evolution. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Chapter 5 – Introduction to the internal organization of the eukaryotic cell. Core. Cytoplasm. Organelles.
PART II - Intracellular structures and functions.
Chapter 6 – Plasma membrane. Lipids and membrane proteins.
Chapter 7 – Transmembrane transport. Transporters and channels.
Chapter 8 – Endomembrane system. Endoplasmic reticle. Golgi apparatus. Exocytosis.
Chapter 9 – Protein trafficking. Endosomes. Endocytosis. Lysosomes.
Chapter 10 – Bioenergy: mitochondria, chloroplasts, peroxisomes.
Chapter 11 – Intracellular signalling. Receptors, ligands. Signalling pathways.
Chapter 12 – The nuleus. Nucleolus. Chromatin. Nuclear membranes. Two-way transport.
Chapter 13 – Cell cycle. Phases and control. Cancer.
Chapter 14 – Mitosis. Meiosis
Chapter 15 – Cell Death. Apoptosis.
PART III – Genetic mechanisms.
Chapter 16 – DNA, chromosomes, genome.
Chapter 17 – Replication, Repair, Recombination.
Chapter 18 – Translation. Ribosomes.
Chapter 19 – Gene expression control. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional control.
PART IV – Extracellular interactions.
Chapter 20 – Cytoskeleton, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix.
Chapter 21 – Cell differentiation. Tissues. Stem cells. Development.
Chapter 22 – Neurons. Morphology and physiology. Synapses. Plasticity.
1. Magisterial classes.
2. Cooperative learning.
3. Preparation and realization of evaluable activities.
4. Autonomous study and exercise work.
Partial exam: 20 %
Submission of works: 25%
Final exam: 55%
It is essential to obtain more than 5.0 points in the final exam in order to pass the subject (not essential in the partial exam or the submitted works).
Important considerations:
Alberts, B et al. Biología Molecular de la Célula. 6ª edición. Ediciones Omega 2016.
Lodish et al. Biología Celular y Molecular. 7ª edición. Editorial Médica Panamericana S.A. 2016.
E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session: