Cell Biology
Code: 107541Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Microbiology | FB | 1 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Laura Tusell Padros
- Email :
- laura.tusell@uab.cat
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
Sufficient knowledge of Biology during secondary school.
Erasmus students should consider that lessons are taught in Català.
Objectives
This is a first-year, compulsory subject that introduces students to the fundamentals of cell biology. The central object of the subject is the study of the organization and functions of the eukaryotic cell.
The specific objectives are:
• Recognize the structural and compositional differences of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Demonstrate how the architecture - composition, structure, dynamism - of biological membranes affects the functionality of the cell and its compartments.
• Describe the structure, composition and function of the different compartments/organelles of eukaryotic cells, as well as the existing relationships between them.
• Define the different components of the cytosol and determine their role in the biogenesis, intracellular traffic and degradation of proteins.
• Identify the different components of the cytoskeleton based on their composition and structure and explain their contribution to cell shape and movement.
• List and describe the different phases of mitotic and meiotic cell division, and determine their main components, their regulation, as well as their similarities and differences.
• Perform basic calculations to determine biological parameters.
• Apply basic laboratory techniques to plan and test small experiments with eukaryotic cells.
• Integrate and apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to interpret the results of simple scientific experiments and to solve experimental problems in cell biology.
• Use the appropriate scientific terminology in the field of cell biology.
Learning outcomes
- CM06 (Integrate knowledge and skills from the field of biology, working individually and in groups, to prepare and present in writing or orally and publicly a scientific work.) Integrate knowledge and skills from the field of biology, working individually and in groups, to prepare and present in writing or orally and publicly a scientific work.
- KM08 (Define the structure, organization and functioning of the different types of cells, tissues and physiological systems in living organisms.) Define the structure, organization and functioning of the different types of cells, tissues and physiological systems in living organisms.
- KM10 (Identify the structure and organisation of genetic material and the mechanisms of biological inheritance.) Identify the structure and organisation of genetic material and the mechanisms of biological inheritance.
- SM06 (Relate the main biophysical, cellular, molecular and biochemical bases of physiological systems with their functioning.) Relate the main biophysical, cellular, molecular and biochemical bases of physiological systems with their functioning.
Contents
I. GLOBAL VISION OF THE CELL
Topic 1. The cell. The origin of the cell. From prokaryotes to eukaryotes. Organization of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell.
Topic 2. Visualization of cells and their components. Microscopy. Detection of intracellular molecules in dead and living cells.
II. CELL SURFACE
Topic 3. Structure and composition of the plasma membrane. Functions, structure and composition of the plasma membrane. Characteristics of the membrane: fluidity and asymmetry. Tight junctions ( Tight junctions ).
Topic 4. Transport of molecules through the membrane. Simple Diffusion Transport of ions and small molecules: Passive Transport and Active Transport. Communicating junctions: Gaps and plasmodesmata .
III. COMPARTMENTATION OF THE EUKARYOTIC CELL
Topic 5. Introduction to intracellular compartments and the cytosol. Cellular compartmentalization. Intracellular protein trafficking. Composition and structural organization of the cytosol. Protein folding, post-translational modification and protein processing; protein degradation.
Topic 6. Endoplasmic reticulum. Introduction to the endomembrane system . Structure and composition of the endoplasmic reticulum. Functions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum: lipid synthesis. Functions of the rough endoplasmic reticulum: protein synthesis, protein modifications and quality control. Vesicular transport between the reticulum and the Golgi apparatus and recovery of proteins resident in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Topic 7. Basics of vesicular transport . Types of vesicles, vesicle formation and fusion of vesicles with the target membrane.
Topic 8. Golgi apparatus and secretion routes. Structure and composition of the Golgi apparatus. Glycosylation and oligosaccharide modifications of proteins. Distribution of proteins in the trans -Golgi network: transport of lysosomal proteins, constitutive secretion and regulated secretion; retention of resident proteins in the Golgi apparatus.
Topic 9. Endocytosis pathways. Endosomal compartment : structure, composition and classification. Endocytosis (pinocytosis and phagocytosis). Lysosomes: structure and composition; obtaining the digestion material (autophagy and heterophagy ); genetic defects in acid hydrolases.
Topic 10. Mitochondria. Structure and composition. Biogenesis: mitochondrial genome and protein synthesis; lipid and protein import. Functions of mitochondria: mitochondrial oxidations; electron transport; ATP synthesis; transport across the inner mitochondrial membrane; heat production.
Topic 11. Chloroplasts. Structure and composition. Biogenesis: chloroplast genome; protein import. Chloroplast functions: Photosynthesis. Photodependent reactions : light absorption, electron transport and production of NADPH and ATP. Dark reactions: Calvin cycle and photorespiration.
Topic 12. Peroxisomes. Structure and composition. Biogenesis: lipid and protein import; genetic diseases related to protein import. General functions of peroxisomes: oxidative reactions and fatty acid oxidation. Specific functions in animal cells : detoxification reactions and synthesis of plasmalogens and, in plant cells: photorespiration and glyoxylate cycle.
Topic 13. Nucleus . Nuclear envelope, nuclear lamina and pore complex: structure; bidirectional nucleus-cytoplasmic transport. Nucleolus: structure; ribosomal RNA synthesis. Chromatin: components and structural models; DNA heterogeneity; chromatin organization in the interphase nucleus: euchromatin and heterochromatin; organization and structure of the eukaryotic chromosome.
IV. THE CYTOSKELETON AND CELL MOVEMENT
Topic 14. Microfilaments. Structure and composition. Actin polymerization. Actin binding proteins. Organization of microfilaments in muscle cells and non-muscle cells. Cell movement. Adherent junctions: Adhesion bands and focal contacts.
Topic 15. Microtubules. Structure and composition. Tubulin polymerization. Proteins associated with microtubules. Labile microtubules. Stable microtubules: centrioles, cilia and flagella; structure, biogenesis and functions.
Topic 16. Intermediate filaments. Structure and composition. Polymerization. Proteins associated with intermediate filaments. Associated functions. Adherent junctions: Desmosomes and Hemidesmosomes.
V. THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE EUKARYOTIC CELL
Topic 17. Cell cycle and Mitosis. Phases of the cell cycle. Cell cycle control: components of the system and checkpoints. Phases of mitosis and organization of the mitotic spindle. Cytokinesis.
Topic 18. Meiosis. Phases of meiosis. Synaptinemal complex and chromosome synapsis. Gene recombination.
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific problems solving | 30 | 1.2 | CM06, SM06 |
| Study | 55 | 2.2 | KM08, KM10, SM06 |
| Scientific Problems | 6 | 0.24 | CM06, SM06 |
| Lectures | 40 | 1.6 | KM08, KM10, SM06 |
| Self-study units preparation | 15 | 0.6 | KM08, SM06 |
The organization and teaching methodology that will be followed is described below:
Masterclass Sessions
The content of the theory program will be taught mainly by the professors in the form of lectures. The theoretical classes will be complemented by the viewing of animations and videos related to the topics discussed in class. The presentations will be available in * pdf format on the subject's Moodle . It is recommended that students bring this material to class, to use as a support when taking notes. It is advised that students regularly consult the books recommended in the Bibliography section in order to consolidate and clarify, if necessary, the contents explained in class.
In addition to attending classes, following the subject also involves an active role for students through the preparation of some of the topics of the theoretical program. At the beginning of the course, a list of the sections that they will have to prepare will be provided as well as a detailed script of the aspects and contents that must be developed for each of them. The material that they must prepare will be collected in the form of a Self-Learning Work Guide, available on Moodle and in * pdf format . The guide includes a detailed description of the topics that must be prepared and their contents, as well as some general recommendations. The aim is for students to acquire the ability to search for information from various sources and to synthesize all the information collected.
Problem sessions
Solving scientific problems allows for a very interesting deduction and integration exercise for scientific training. Therefore, theoretical knowledge is complemented by solving 20 problems related to the topics covered in theory classes.
The problem classes will serve to guide students regarding their level of learning of the subject, since they involve an integration of concepts and knowledge and are ultimately a way of approaching the scientific method. The collection of problems will be found on Moodle in * pdf format . The completion of the problems is non-face-to-face and, therefore, students must dedicate part of their non-class time to their completion. In this sense, groups of four people will have to be formed, which will meet together to solve the different problems proposed. The problems will be discussed and corrected during the face-to-face sessions, requiring the active participation of the students. A student will be asked at random to present the resolution of a problem and explain it to the rest of the classmates. This presentation will be evaluated by both the teaching staff and the students through an online questionnaire. The evaluation rubric will be available on Moodle in * pdf format .
Finally, each student must individually and compulsorily answer two questionnaires on teamwork (one in the middle and the other at the end of the problem sessions). The information collected in the questionnaires will be considered to verify and, if necessary, individually modulate the group work grade of the different members.
Attendance at problem solving classes will be mandatory (a roll call will be taken in class). In the event of unexcused absence from problem solving classes, there will be a penalty in the final grade for the subject.
Tutorials
The tutorials will be held in a personalized manner in the professor's office (door C2/050 - Dra Laura Tusell-, and schedule to be agreed upon). The tutorials should be used to clarify concepts, consolidate the knowledge acquired and facilitate the study by the students. They can also be used to resolve doubts that the students have about the preparation of the self-learning work.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writen test 2 | 37,5% | 1.5 | 0.06 | KM08, KM10, SM06 |
| Scientific problem II | 6% | 0.5 | 0.02 | CM06, SM06 |
| Scientific Problems (team work) | 13% | 0 | 0 | CM06, SM06 |
| Written test 1 | 37,5% | 1.5 | 0.06 | KM08, KM10, SM06 |
| Scientific problem I | 6% | 0.5 | 0.02 | CM06, SM06 |
The assessment of the skills of this subject will be organized in two itineraries: (1) Continuous assessment and (2) Single assessment . Students who wish to follow the AU itinerary must make the request as indicated by the Faculty's Academic Management.
(1) Continuous assessment (CA)
Written tests – theory (75% of the overall grade)
They assess the scientific knowledge achieved by each student as well as their capacity for analysis and synthesis, and scientific reasoning. The individual and continuous evaluation of the theoretical concepts studied will be carried out through two written tests (written test I and written test II) of multiple choice type throughout the course with a weighting of 37.5% each .
Scientific problems - PAUL (25% of the overall grade)
12 % of the overall grade for this section will come from the individual resolution of a scientific problem, similar to those worked on in class, on the day of written test I ( 6% ) and on the day of written test II ( 6% ).
The remaining 13% will correspond to the evaluation of the public presentation of the resolution of the problems in the classroom by the students and the teamwork. The grade of each group of students will be calculated by taking the arithmetic average of the sum of the grades obtained in the oral presentations of each of the members. This grade will be shared by all the members of the group and will be equivalent to 11% of the final grade of the module. At the same time, it will be taken into account that each student has answered and submitted the 2 questionnaires corresponding to the teamwork on the established date ( 2% ). The grade obtained in this block may be modulated individually, depending on the questionnaire and attendance at classes. Attendance at the problem class is mandatory (a list will be passed in class). In case of absence from the problem class without justification there will be a penalty in the final grade: absence 1 session = reduction of 10% of the grade.
IMPORTANT : The grade for the science problems block of a student who misses more than one PAUL session, justified or unjustified, will be given solely for the individual resolution of the science problems on the day of written test I and II. Each of these problems will have a weight of 12.5% of the overall grade (Total Science Problems = 25% overall grade).
(2) Single Assessment (AU)
Written tests – theory (75% of the overall grade)
The theoretical concepts of the entire program will be evaluated. Students will be examined on the second part of the syllabus on the date set for the written test II of the continuous assessment with their classmates and will subsequently be examined on the theoretical part of the first part of the syllabus.
Scientific problems – PAUL (25% of the overall grade)
These students will have to individually solve two scientific problems, corresponding to the two parts of the syllabus on the day of the written tests I & II (AU). With the understanding that students who will take AU do not attend the PAUL and, therefore, do not participate in the group work, each of these problems will have a weight of 12.5% of the overall grade.
To pass the subject you will need:
a) obtain a minimum grade of 4.5 (out of 10) in the theory section (75% of the overall grade) after weighting the grades of written test I and written test II. However, it is important to note that only those students with a grade equal to or greater than 4.0 (out of 10) in each of the written tests (I and II) will be able to weight them.
b) that the weighted average of all sections (written tests + scientific problems) is equal to or greater than 5.0 points (out of 10).
Recovery Activities
Students who initially do not pass the subject through AC/AU may apply for retake. However, to participate in retake, students must have previously been assessed in a set of activities whose weight is equivalent to a minimum of two-thirds of the total grade for the subject (67%).
The retake will consist of a multiple-choice exam, which will evaluate the achievement of the training objectives corresponding to the written-theory tests. All activities corresponding to scientific problems are excluded from the retake process. The different cases for presenting for retake may be:
- that the grade of the written tests I and/or II (AC) was less than 4.0 (out of 10).
- that the score obtained after the weighting of the written tests (AC) or the synthesis exam (AU) does not reach 4.5 (out of 10), or that the weighted average of the written tests + scientific problems is less than 5.0 points (out of 10). In these cases, students may choose to retake written test I and/or written test II. They must notify the teaching staff one week in advance of the retake date.
Those students who -having passed the subject via AC/AU- wish to apply to raise their grade , may do so as long as they inform the teaching staff one week in advance. It should be noted that in this context, students waive the grade obtained in the previous written tests.
Global Considerations of the Subject
A student will obtain the grade of "Not Assessable" when the assessment activities carried out have a weighting of less than 67% in the final grade for the subject.
Students who do not pass the subject will have their grade obtained in the problem classes (13% of the overall grade) retained and will be exempt from attending these classes. In the event that they wish to improve this grade, students must attend the problem classes again or must expressly inform the subject coordinator that 25% of the overall grade for the subject will come solely from the individual resolution of the two scientific problems on the day of written test I and II. Each of these problems will have a weight of 12.5% of the overall grade (Total = 25% overall grade).
For this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted exclusively for support tasks, such as bibliographic or information searches, for problem-solving. Students must clearly identify which parts were generated using this technology, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these tools influenced the process and the final result of the activity. Lack of transparency regarding the use of AI in this assessable activity will be considered academic dishonesty and may result in a partial or full penalty on the activity grade, or more severe sanctions in serious cases.
Any irregularity committed during an assessment (academic fraud, plagiarism, or misuse of AI, unless expressly authorized in the course syllabus) that could lead to a significant change in the grade will result in a grade of 0 for that assessment. If the course syllabus stipulates that passing the course requires committing several irregularities in the assessments of the same course, the final grade for that course will be 0. Furthermore, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who commits any of these irregularities.
NB: This text has not been proofreading by a native English, so in case of any doubt or incongruity, the information provided in the Catalan/Spanish version will prevail.
Bibliography
Molecular Biology of the Cell (7th Edition). Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. Norton, 2022.
Biología Molecular de la Célula (6ª Edición). Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Morgan D, Raff M, Roberts K, Walter P. Ediciones Omega S.A., 2016.
Molecular Cell Biology (9th Edition). Harvey Lodish; Arnold Berk; Chris A. Kaiser; Monty Krieger; Anthony Bretscher; Hidde Ploegh; Kelsey C. Martin; Michael Yaffe; Angelika Amon. Macmillan learning, 2021.
Biología Celular y Molecular (7ª Edición). Lodish H, Berk A, Kaiser CA, Krieger M, Bretscher A, Ploegh H, Amon A, Martin KC. Editorial Médica Panamericana 2016. (Enllaç aquest registre estudiants UAB, https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/avjcib/alma991007006029706709)
Karp's Cell and Molecular Biology (9th Edition). Gerald Karp, Janet Iwasa, Wallace Marshall. Wiley, 2021.
Karp. Biología Celular y Molecular (8ª Edición). Gerald Karp, Janet Iwasa, Wallace Marshall. McGraw-Hill, 2019. (Enllaç aquest registre estudiants UAB, https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1c3utr0/cdi_proquest_ebookcentral_EBC5758841)
Essential Cell Biology (6th Edition). Bruce Alberts, Karen Hopkin, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter, Rebecca Heald. Norton, 2023.
Introducción a la Biología Celular (3ª Edición). Alberts B, BrayD, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K, Walter P. Editorial Médica Panamericana, 2011. (Enllaç aquest registre estudiants UAB, https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/avjcib/alma991007029139706709)
The Cell. A Molecular approach (9th Edition). Geoffrey Cooper and Kenneth Adams. Oxford University Press, 2023.
La Célula (7ª Edición). Cooper GM & Hausman RE. Marbán Libros S.L., 2017.
The contents of some books can be consulted online at NCBI, at the following address: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=Books&itool=toolbar.
Software
-
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 71 | Catalan | first semester | afternoon |
| (SEM) Seminars | 711 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (SEM) Seminars | 712 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |