BIOLOGY 251 CELL BIOLOGY

TEXTBOOK: Essential Cell Biology by Alberts et. al., 2nd edition, Garland Science publishers.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The fundamental unit of life is the cell; therefore cell biology forms the base upon which all modern biology and medicine is built. This course will emphasize the study of eukaryotic cell structure and function, including bioenergetics, membrane transport, cellular communication, flow of genetic information, immune responses and cell division. Experimental techniques used in understanding cell biology will be discussed along with the cellular basis of diseases.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of this advanced course, students should:

• Be able to identify cellular components and define their roles.
• Gain a conceptual understanding of the molecular basis of a variety of cellular processes.
• Be able to think critically, interpret hypothetical experimental observations based on concepts learned in class, and develop problem-solving skills.
• Be able to effectively read and comprehend assigned review literature, and communicate this knowledge in the form of a critical report.
• Be able to appreciate how our understanding of cell biology has resulted in medical advances, and discuss current biomedical issues in a cellular context.

TOPIC COVERED:

• Cell features - structure and diversity
• Chemical components of cells
• Energy, catalysis and biosynthesis
• Protein structure
• Protein function (antibodies)
• Protein function (other)
• DNA structure and replication
• DNA to protein - gene expression
• Control of gene expression
• Membrane structure and transport
• Cystic fibrosis - a case study
• Protein and vesicle transport
• Cell communication
• Cell cycle control
• Programmed cell death
• Cancer Biology
• Applications of Cell and Molecular Biology (PCR as an example)
• Stem cells, cloning, designing the "perfect human" - a discussion of biomedical ethics