biology applied to the animal cell
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Required precondition for understanding the course subject will be the basic notions furnished by the high school.
The exam consists of a written final test. The student will be asked some questions about the teaching program, concerning both general concepts and problematic or specific techniques. The objective of the final exam is to verify the level of achievement of the course objectives, firstly assessing the possession of basic knowledge elements and the ability to use them autonomously to solve real problems. The final score will be expressed in marks out of 30.
The module of biology applied to the animal cell provides the basis for understanding the animal physiology, starting from the study of morphology and cell physiology to the essential functions of animal organisms. The course focuses to the study of the cell as a functional unit of living, providing a detailed view of subcellular structures and their role in metabolism and cell-cell interactions.
The main cellular functions, such as: the flow of genetic information; basic metabolic cycles; proliferation, differentiation and cell death; synthesis, sorting and degradation of proteins; intercellular cross-talk; motility and fertilization will be addressed. The pluricellular organization, tissues and the main physiological functions of animal organisms will be studied.
Moreover, main protocols and instruments of experimental biology, such as microscopy techniques, cellular function analysis, characterization and purification of protein will be outlined.
Finally, some subjects of environmental interest that will involve knowledge of animal physiology will be addressed.
What are Biological Sciences
General structure of living - Unicellular and multicellular organisms
The chemistry of life
Basics of General Chemistry - Macromolecules: Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Nucleic Acids
The origin of life
Origin of the procaryote and eukaryote cell
Biology Research: Methods and Instruments:
Observation and manipulation of biological samples, microscopy techniques, protein analysis
Cellular Biology
General structure of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
Cell sub-structures: organelles: plasmalemma, RE and RER and proteins, lysosomes and degradation, Protein synthesis and protein sorting, peroxisomes and detoxification, Golgi apparatus and glycosylation, mitochondria and energy.
Cell biochemistry
The Fundamental Cycles - Energy and Oxidative Phosphorylation
Nucleus and gene expression
DNA, RNA, Chromatic, Transcription and Translation - Inheritance - Genotype and Phenotype - Epigenetic
Cell motility:
Cytoskeleton: Actin-Myosin, Tubulin, IFs
amoeboid, ciliary and flagellar motility.
Germ cells
Meiosis, Fertilization and Embryonic Development
Cell differentiation and stem cells
The cellular cross-talk: cell communication
Cellular interaction, Signals and Receptors
Cell cycle, Mitosis and cell death (necrosis and apoptosis)
Histology: cells in their social context
The tissues
Animal structure and functions:
Basics of organs and apparatus:
Gastrointestinal - Circulatory and Respiratory, Immune System, Excretory, Muscle, skeleton - Nervous
Implications of cellular biology on scientific issues of environmental interest.
What are Biological Sciences
General structure of living - Unicellular and multicellular organisms
The chemistry of life
Basics of General Chemistry - Macromolecules: Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Nucleic Acids
The origin of life
Origin of the procaryote and eukaryote cell
Biology Research: Methods and Instruments:
Observation and manipulation of biological samples, microscopy techniques, protein analysis
Cellular Biology
General structure of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
Cell sub-structures: organelles: plasmalemma, RE and RER and proteins, lysosomes and degradation, Protein synthesis and protein sorting, peroxisomes and detoxification, Golgi apparatus and glycosylation, mitochondria and energy.
Cell biochemistry
The Fundamental Cycles - Energy and Oxidative Phosphorylation
Nucleus and gene expression
DNA, RNA, Chromatic, Transcription and Translation - Inheritance - Genotype and Phenotype - Epigenetic
Cell motility:
Cytoskeleton: Actin-Myosin, Tubulin, IFs
amoeboid, ciliary and flagellar motility.
Germ cells
Meiosis, Fertilization and Embryonic Development
Cell differentiation and stem cells
The cellular cross-talk: cell communication
Cellular interaction, Signals and Receptors
Cell cycle, Mitosis and cell death (necrosis and apoptosis)
Histology: cells in their social context
The tissues
Animal structure and functions:
Basics of organs and apparatus:
Gastrointestinal - Circulatory and Respiratory, Immune System, Excretory, Muscle, skeleton - Nervous
Implications of cellular biology on scientific issues of environmental interest.
• Invito alla Biologia - Helena Curtis, N Sue Barnes, Adriana Schnek, Alicia Massarini – Zanichelli
• Principi di Biologia - David Sadava, CH Heller, GH Orians, WK Purves, DM Hillis - Zanichelli
The multimedia content (lessons and videos of the lessons) will be available to students on specific websites
Lectures and visits to research laboratories
Student reception: the teacher is always available by previous agreement by email: maurizio.brivio@uninsubria.it
At request, the teacher will use part of the lecture to clarify topics of previous lectures. It is also possible to ask for elucidations during the lectures.