Course Details

Cellular Biology

S1397

Course
Cellular Biology
Code
S1397
Academic Year
2024/2025
Curriculum Year
2024/2025
Degree Programme
BIOLOGY
Curriculum
A16 - Biomedico e Biomolecolare
Course coordinator
Credits
6
Lecture Hours
48
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
BIO/06 - Comparative Anatomy and Citology
Course Type
Single-subject learning activity
Course Delivery
OBB - Obbligatoria
Year
1
Teaching period
Secondo Semestre
Campus
ALESSANDRIA
Teaching language
Italian
Course Contents
Molecular mechanisms that drive cellular processes through which a cell can live and perform its normal functions, replicate and die
Reference Texts
-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)
Learning Outcomes
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
Prerequisites
Molecular Biology
Teaching Methods
Lectures with Power Point projection. The slides used will be available to students on DIR pages.
Additional Information
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.
Assessment Methods
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.
Detailed Syllabus
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.
Expected Learning Outcomes
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.
Last update:09-09-2026 00:14:31