Providing basic knowledge about cell structure and function, mechanisms of transfer of genetic information and main cellular processes. The basic information provided will be necessary for studying Anatomy and Physiology.

Introduction and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Main cellular chemical components: sugars, fatty acids, aminoacids, nucleotides.

Structure and function of proteins. Regulation of protein function.

Chemistry and structure of DNA.

Chromosomes.

DNA duplication.

Chemistry and structure of RNA. Transcription and translation.

Biological membrane structure. Phospholipid bilayer and membrane proteins.

Membrane transport: principles; carriers: structure and function; ionic channels and membrane voltage.

Intracellular compartments and transport: endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes and mitochondrions, transport by vesicles, secretory ways. Phagocytosis, endocytosis, pinocytosis.

Cellular communication: principles of cellular signalling, receptors coupled to G protein and to enzymes.

Cytoskeleton: intermediate filaments, microtubules, actin filaments.

Cell cycle. Mitosis and meiosis.

Extracellular matrix and cell adhesion.

Learning achievements include: knowledge of structure and main functions of the animal cells; knowledge of structural and functional characteristics of the main molecules; knowledge of basic mechanisms of the main functions in biological systems. Capacity to correlate the biological structure with the biological function. Capacity to refer the biological information acquired through a correct terminology.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

No supporting activities.

The teaching material made available by the lecturer can be found, together with other supporting activities, inside the Moodle platform ›blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Frontal lessons

Course books

B. Alberts, A. Johnson, J. Lewis, M. Raff, K. Roberts, P. Walter. L'essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula, Zanichelli

B. Lewin, L. Cassimeris, V. R. Lingappa, G. Plopper. Cellule, Zanichelli

Assessment

Examination will be oral

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.