Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to provide students with basic knowledge of cell structure and function. The biological function of cellular organelles. Transport across the biological membrane. Mechanisms underlying replication, transcription, and translation. Particular importance of non-protein-coding RNAs and their role in human diseases.

No textbooks. Materials provided by the instructor during class include in-depth analysis in scientific journals (PubMed) and educational videos on the Jove platform. All teaching materials will be available on the DiR platform.

The course aims to provide students with an overview of cell structure and function and cellular processes: replication, repair, transcription, and translation. Specifically, it will provide students with an understanding of non-protein-coding RNAs in the study of various human diseases.

The students must have a solid background in Molecular Biology, Genetics and Cell Biology

Frontal lessons and online with PowerPoint presentations.
Learning materials provided by the instructor during class and educational videos on the Jove platform.

All the teaching material and information regarding the course will be available on moodle DIR platform (https://www.dir.uniupo.it/).
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request
specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse

e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-
students-physical-or-learning-disabilities

Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted
the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination
modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Written exam with multiple choice.

The cell: structure and function. Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Nucleoid and organization of genetic material in bacteria. Nucleus and nuclear envelope in eukaryotic cells. Reorganization of genetic material, and how post-transcriptional modifications influence the transcriptional process. Cytoplasm and structure and function of organelles: endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondrion, and peroxisomes. Cytoskeleton with microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Extracellular matrix: cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. Secretory vesicles. Chloroplasts and vacuoles in plant cells. Passive and active transport across the plasma membrane. Transport of proteins from the nucleus to the cytosol.
Mechanisms of replication, transcription, and translation. Role of protein-coding and non-coding RNAs.

At the of the course, students should possess an adequate understanding of cellular structure and function. They should also possess a good understanding of transcriptional mechanisms based on protein-coding and non-coding RNAs. The pathogenic role of small non-coding RNA molecules in various diseases.