Molecular and Cellular Biology

Code:

BIOL1001

Acronym:

BIOL1001

Level:

100

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2021/2022 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Chemistry

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:CC	0	study plan from 2021/22	2	-	6	48	162
			3
L:F	3	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	48	162
L:G	5	study plan from 2017/18	2	-	6	48	162
			3
L:M	6	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	48	162
			3
L:Q	3	study plan from 2016/17	3	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The Cell is the fundamental unit of life, and the knowledge of its physiology forms the foundation upon which all Biology as well as its applications. The objective of this UC is to make the student discover the Biology of the Cell at a global level, including the main structures and functional processes, and their respective molecular basis, as well as the experimental methodologies used to build that knowledge. 

Learning outcomes and competences

The students should acquire the ability to understand, use, communicate and apply the basic concepts concerning the structure and functioning of cells, including their chemical composition, the role of membranes, the cell division, and the flow of information and energy. They should also acquire theoretical  and practical skills in methods of study the cell, such as microscopy and the technology of recombinant DNA.

 

Working method

Presencial

Program

Cellular theory :cellular anatomy to cellular physiology. Basic plans of cellular organization: prokaryotic cell and eukaryotic animal and plant cell. Cellular dimensions. Evolution of the cell. Cell study. Optical microscopy. Chemistry of the cell / life. Water. Carbohydrates. Lipids. Proteins: structure and function of proteins. Primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures, domains. Relationship structure / function - antibodies and enzymes. Regulation of the biological activity of a protein. Establishment of the three-dimensional structure. Life cycle - ubiquitin degradation. Flow of information. Nucleotides and nucleic acids. DNA structure - the Watson and Crick model. DNA duplication and repair mechanisms. Types of RNA and their function. Transcription and RNA processing. Genetic code. Translation. DNA organization on chromosomes and chromatin. Organization and evolution of the genome. Regulation of gene expression. Recombinant DNA technology. Cloning of a DNA fragment. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), variants and applications. Genetic engineering and biotechnology. Internal organization and functioning of the cell. Biological membranes and their role in the cell / life. Membrane transport. Structure and functions of the cytoskeleton. Structure of the nucleus. Structure and functions of the secretory system: endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and vesicle transit. Structure and functions of lysosomes peroxisomes. Energy Flow Overview of energy flow in cells and the living world. Evolution of the processes involved in the flow of energy in the living world. Breathing in the absence of oxygen: glycolysis and fermentation types. The chemiosmotic theory and the role of membranes in energy conversion. Photosynthesis and structure, diversity and evolution of plastids. Aerobic respiration and structure and evolution of mitochondria. Cell cycle and cell division.
 PRACTICAL LESSONS PROGRAM . Observation and measurement of different cell types under an optical microscope. Spectrophotometry and chlorophyll dosing. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and analysis of the amplification products by agarose gel electrophoresis. Observation of mitosis in root apices of onion.Cell Cycle

Mandatory literature

Bruce Alberts; Essential cell biology. ISBN: 978-0-8153-2971-8

Complementary Bibliography

James Darnell; Molecular cell biology. ISBN: 0-7167-1981-9
Gerald Karp; Cell and molecular biology. ISBN: 978-0-470-04217-5

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures using PowerPoint presentations and interaction with students. Laboratory classes "hands on".

keywords

Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Cell biology
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Molecular biology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

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

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	114,00
Frequência das aulas	48,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Lectures are optional. Practical classes are obligatory with a limit of maximum 3 absences.

Calculation formula of final grade

The assessment will include the following components

1) Frequency 1 and 2 for the theoretical component. Each frequency is quoted for 10 points and has a minimum mark of 4 points. The students not aproving in frequencies may perform a final theoretical exam quoted for 20 points with a minimum mark of 8 points.

 

 

Observations

Once again I emphasize that this discipline of Molecular and Cellular Biology should be part of the scientific culture of students who take the different courses at FCUP and intend to enter a master's degree that have to have some minimum of DNA; a DNA gene to protein etc.

Coordenadora da disciplina 
Maria isabel Amorim