Cellular and molecular biology

Code:

BIO1001

Acronym:

BIO1001

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
CNAEF	Biology and Biochemistry

Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Forest Engineering and Biotechnology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:EBF	13	Official Study Plan	1	-	6	42	162

Teaching Staff - Responsibilities

Teacher	Responsibility
Maria Isabel de Pinho Pessoa de Amorim

Teaching - Hours

Theoretical classes:	1,62
Laboratory Practice:	1,62

Type	Teacher	Classes	Hour
Theoretical classes	Totals	1	1,62
	Claudia Alexandra dos Reis Serra		0,923
	Maria Isabel de Pinho Pessoa de Amorim		0,923
Laboratory Practice	Totals	2	3,24
	Claudia Alexandra dos Reis Serra		2,462
	Susana Gomes dos Santos Barber		0,308
	Maria Isabel de Pinho Pessoa de Amorim		0,923

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

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

A prior knowledge is not necessary because this UC is basic in molecular and cellular biology.

Program

Cell theory, bases of cell morphology and physiology. Bases of cellular organization: prokaryotic cell and eukaryotic animal and plant cell. Morphological differences between plant and animal cells. Special features of plant cells and their role in maintaining plant structure and physiology. Basic concepts of structure, function of vacuoles, chloroplasts and cell wall. Study of the cell at the level of its organelles. Optical microscopy.

Flow of information. DNA organization in chromosomes and chromatin. Structure of DNA, nucleotides and nucleic acids. DNA duplication and repair mechanisms. Types of RNA and their function. RNA transcription and processing. Genetic code. Translation. Protein synthesis. Proteins: structure and function of proteins. Establishment of the three-dimensional structure “chaperones” Recombinant DNA technology, such as DNA extraction, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Internal organization and function of the cell.
Biological membranes and their role in the cell / life. Membrane transport. Structure and functions of the secretory system: endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and vesicle transit. Structure and functions of lysosomes and peroxisomes. Structure and function of the vacuole in plant cells. Structure and functions of the cytoskeleton in animal and plant cells.
Energy flow in cells and in the living world.
Breathing in the absence of oxygen: glycolysis and types of fermentation. Aerobic respiration and mitochondria structure and evolution. Chemosmotic theory and the role of membranes in energy conversion. Study cases. Photosynthesis and chloroplasts, structure and evolution of plastids. Case studies in agroforestry species.

Cell cycle and cell division. Checkpoints of cell division. The different phases of mitosis (division of the nucleus). Cytokinesis in plant and animal cells.

PRACTICAL LESSONS PROGRAM . Observation and 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.

Mandatory literature

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

Complementary Bibliography

William K. Purves; Life. ISBN: 0-7167-2276-3
James Darnell; Molecular cell biology. ISBN: 0-7167-1981-9

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical lectures using powerpoint presentations and interaction with students using distance learning technologies, such as video-conferences and /or through the moodle platform. Practical laboratory classes carry out laboratory work. Stdents observe definitive and extemporaneous preparations under the microscope. Students handle some materials and get in tools used in biotechnology.

keywords

Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Molecular biology
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Cell 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 4 absences

Calculation formula of final grade

The assessment will include the following components

1) Frequencies and/or final examination

Observations

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