Molecular and Cellular Biology
Code
9512001
Academic unit
Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical
Department
Medical Microbiology Unit
Credits
4
Teacher in charge
Celso Cunha
Weekly hours
T: Aulas teóricas: 22 Horas / semana (Total de Horas, distribuídas por semanas) OT: Orientação tutorial: 8 Horas / semana (Total de Horas, distribuídas por semanas) S: Seminários: 6 horas
Teaching language
Portuguese and English
Objectives
At the end of the module the students must be able to: 1- identify the basic chemical constituents of the living organisms and understand the respective methods of study 2- understand the main theories and hypothesis on the origin and evolution of the cell 3- understand the fundamental mechanisms and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells including the flow of genetic information, and the regulation and repair of genetic information 4- recognize the different phases of the cell cycle and explain the respective mechanisms of regulation 5- identify factors and mechanisms that may cause alterations in the normal regulation of the cell cycle and its consequences to the organism 6- use basic bioinformatics tools and identify the main biological resources and databases
Prerequisites
NA
Subject matter
The evolution of the cell: from molecules to the first cell; from prokaryotes to eukaryotes; the first multicelular organisms. Chemical components of the cell: strcture and function of proteins and nucleic acids. The genetic code. Biomembranes. How cells are studied: microscopy; cell culture and manipulation; recombinant DNA technology. DNA replication; transcription and regulation of gene expression; RNA processing and nucleocytoplasmic transport. Protein synthesis; ribosome biogenesis; DNA recombination and DNA repair. Structure and function of the cytoplasmic membrane; the endomembranous system; Function of the Golgi apparatus. The cytoskeleton and cell motility. Regulation of the cell cycle. Cancer biology.
Bibliography
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th edition; Alberts B., et al (2008); Garland Science. Molecular Cell Biology, Lodish H et al. 5th edition; W. H. Freeman and Co
Teaching method
Theoretical classes.
Evaluation method
Final exam. A minimum classification of 50% is needed to pass.