Ateneo - UPO

Molecular mechanisms that drive cellular processes through which a cell can live and perform its normal functions, replicate and die

-Biologia molecolare della cellula, Alberts et al. (Zanichelli) -Biologia Cellulare e molecolare, Karp (Edises) -Fundamental techniques in cell culture (pdf scaricabile dal sito Sigmaaldrich.com)

The course will introduce students to the principles and to the constantly evolving experimental approaches of cellular biology. This course aims to strengthten basic knoweldge on cellular biology by offering a framework to approach current scientific problems

Molecular biology

Lectures with Power Point projection. The slides used will be available to students on DIR pages.

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.

Oral examination. The test shall include at least three questions: in particular the questions will focus on topics of cellular diversity and biological diversity, cell communication, cell movements, alterations of cellular processes induced by stress. The overall assessment will take account of the partial scores achieved in the individual questions.
Grades will be assigned based on the following criteria:
0–17 Missing, incomplete, or inadequate knowledge; inadequate scientific terminology.
18–20 Sufficient knowledge of the topics and adequate use of scientific terminology.
21–23 Adequate knowledge; ability to present arguments and connect topics; adequate scientific terminology.
24–26 Good knowledge; good ability to explore topics in depth and think critically; adequate scientific terminology.
27–28 Very good knowledge; ability to explore topics in depth, make connections, and think critically; command of scientific terminology.
29–30 Excellent knowledge; excellent ability to explore topics in depth, make connections, and think critically; command of scientific vocabulary.
30 cum laude Excellent knowledge with outstanding ability to explore topics in depth, make connections, and think critically, and full command of scientific terminology.

Cell diversity and biological diversity. Stages in the evolution of the eukaryotic cell. Evolution of pluricellularity and differentiation. Organization of the eukaryotic cell. General principles of cellular communication. Cellular compartments and protein trafficking. Transport of molecules between the nucleus and the cytosol. Transport of proteins in mitochondria and chloroplasts. The peroxisomes. The endoplasmic reticulum. The transport from the ER to the Golgi apparatus. Endocytosis. Exocytosis. Structural elements of the cytoskeleton (microfilaments, microtubules, intermediate filaments, associated proteins). Structure and function of protein motors (myosin, dynein, kinesin). The intracellular movement. Cell movements. Cell cultures. Primary cell lines. Preparation of primary cultures. Separation and characterization of specific cell types present in a tissue. Established cell lines and / or immortalized. Biology of cultured cells (advantages and disadvantages of cell cultures) Practical approach to cell cultures. labware: aseptic techniques. Security, risks associated with the use of genetically modified organisms. The environment: substrates, culture medium, temperature, growth factors, serum types and chemical additives etc. Cell adhesion. Kinetics of growth. Methods of cell proliferation assessment. Temporary and stable transfection. The cell in microgravity. Observation of histological preparations.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Develop knowledge of the principles of cellular biology. APPLYING KNOWLEDGE &UNDERSTANDING Have an understanding of the experimental approaches of cellular biology discussed at lesson and their applications to specific problems. COMMUNICATION SKILLS - Use appropriate scientific language in oral and written communication - Demonstrate the ability to recognize essential information and present them MAKING JUDGMENT To be able to interpret experimental results of cell biology similar to those discussed in lesson. LEARNING ABILITIES To be able to describe the scientific themes inherent in cell biology. This skill will be developed through the active involvement of students through oral classes in the classroom.