Cellular and Molecular Biology

Code:

CN11007

Acronym:

BCMOL

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Natural Sciences

Instance: 2016/2017 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Course/CS Responsible:	Nutrition Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
CNUP	118	Plano oficial	1	-	5,5	56	148,5

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Introductory remark:

Cell and Molecular Biology is the science of cell structures and functions that, in an organized fashion, contribute to maintain them alive and to perform their functions. 
Following the evolution of classic cytology to the biology of the cells, the progressive analytical and technological ability antedated biomolecule isolation and the clarification of a variety of their functions and interactions. This trend favored a natural evolution into cell molecular biology.

A sign of the recent evolution is the power of molecular biology methods that departing from single cells or organisms, take only a short time to collect huge quantities of biological information that is stored in fast growing databases. They make up genomics, proteomics, matabolomics and other omics, while foresee in the future the hard task to unveil their functional meaning.

In parallel, these data lead to species recataloging, transgenics preparation, gene selective inactivation or activity enhancement; there are even new cells created. It is a new world, even more remarkable by its subtleness, intriguing by its complexity and more demanding, conceptually and ethically.
Beyond the evolution in knowledge, Cell and Molecular Biology developed an applied branch, Biotechnology, directed to society needs. Cell and Molecular Biology techniques were optimized and adapted for on demand or large scale application in the production of biomolecules and the creation of genetically modified organisms.

In situ, however, cells are differentiated entities, adapted to organism’s economy. The functions they perform, their own and those resulting from the interaction with the environment - tissues, organs, organisms and the external environment -, lead to the refinement of their structural organization. It optimized to efficiently transform food into nutrients. And these, upon uptake and guidance inside cells, are stored or converted into skilled cellular work.

These views and the intrinsic value of Cell and Molecular Biology within Life Sciences, are good enough reasons for it to be part of a Nutrition and Food Science graduation course.

 

Aims of the Curricular Unit

As to contents, it is expected that students will learn in an integrated way:

1. The diversity of cells and techniques employed in their study;
2. The properties of membranes, particularly cell membrane;
3. The structural and molecular organization of the nucleus and the main processes taking place there;
4. The synthesis, processing and destination of proteins and other biomolecules;
5. The cytoplasm organelles and their functions;
6. The pathways for reception and processing of signals from the milieu;
7. The cell cycle and the mechanisms of cell differentiation, ageing and programmed death.

As to attitudes and aptitudes of the students, the aims are:

1. To raise or stimulate the joy to study beyond the class subjects, using textbooks, published articles, selected Internet sites and other media.
2. To educate in the search for the truth, employing and developing observation and description techniques.
3. To incite to science research and encourage objectivity.
4. To modulate the diffusion of acquired knowledge, rewarding the correct and concise use of language.

Learning outcomes and competences

 

Integrated knowledge on molecular processes leading to production and use of biomoleculesin cells and organisms, particularly those having major nutritional value.

Ackowledgement of Food Science as the basic arm of Clinical Nutrition.

Understanding of molecular processes underlying :

Working method

Presencial

Program

Brief summary:

Cell Biology in Life Sciences; Molecules of Life; Cell Biology Techniques; Types of cells, virus and prions; Structural and molecular organization of membranes; Transport across membranes; Structural and molecular organization of the Nucleus; DNA Replication and Repair; RNA transcription and processing; Protein synthesis and processing; Control of Gene expression; The cell cycle; Hyaloplasm and cytoskeleton; Cell traffic of membranes; Peroxysomes, Mitochondria and plasts; Cell surface and signalling; Gametes and fertilization; Cell differentiation; Cell Ageing and Apoptosis.
(A more comprehensive description of the programme may be found in Summaries of specific classes).

Mandatory literature

Carlos Azevedo e Cláudio Sunkel; Biologia Celular e Molecular, Lidel, 2012. ISBN: ISBN: 978-972-757-692-0
Geoffrey Cooper & Robert Hausman; The Cell - A Molecular Approach, 6th Edition, ASM Press/Sinauer, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-60535-155-1 (Updated and easy to read textbook)

Complementary Bibliography

Pollard, T, Earnshaw, W e Lippincott-Schwartz, J; Cell Biology, W.B. Saunders/Elsevier, 2007
Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser e outros; Molecular Cell Biology, WH Freeman, 2012. ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-1-4292-3413-9

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical classes:
Last 50 minutes; they review the subject and so additional personnal study is necessary.

Practical classes:
Last 2h to demonstrate matters discussed in theoretical classes, using a text as guide. Activities include observation of microscopical slides and electron microscope photos, and the performance of SDS-PAGE protein electrophoresis, a Western-blotting and a DNA electrophoresis. Other small in-class experiments are also made.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

According to current Academic Regulation Act. Contact Academic Secretariat for questions.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final Exam:

Includes, at the same time, a practical and a theoretical component. Total time: 1 h and 40 min.

Practical component

Identification of cellular structures, instruments or technical procedures exhibited in the classroom, employing 4 photos of light microscopy, (4x2=8 points) and 4 photos of electronic/fluorescence microscopy (4x1=4 points) thus comprising a maximum of 12 points; and 2 groups of questions of concise answer, pertaining to practical sessions issues (2x4=8 points).
In this component, 5 points minumum (of a maximum possible of 20) will be necessary to include the practical component in the final calculation of the mark.


Theoretical component

A test with 35 questions having 5 answers each, but one only being correct (35x0,3= 10,5 points); 5 questions True/False (5x0,3=1,5 points); 4 problems to answer in up to 200 words (4x2=8 points).
In each of the 35 questions group, any student may point more than one answer; however, every wrong answer implies a 0,25 negative points to add.




Final calculation

Includes the practical component (minimum 5 points) and the theoretical component. The formula is 3T+P/4 (where T and P are theoretical and practical components points respectively) will be used for the final mark calculation. Approval implies final calculation of 9,5 points or more.
The activities in the classes and essays based on published scientific papers may contribute to the final classifications.

Examinations or Special Assignments

It is advised to verify frequently the website for information regarding these matters.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

According to current Academic Regulation Act. Contact Academic Secretariat for questions.

Classification improvement

According to current Academic Regulation Act. Contact Academic Secretariat for questions.

Observations

Compulsory Language of Teaching : Portuguese. English, in the case non-portuguese speaking students are admitted and upon recommendation from the FCNAUP Board.

Schedule for students apppointment: fridays, from 2 to 4 p.m. Previous contact is advised.