The course aims to provide the basic knowledge in animal biology with particular regard to the composition, structure and function of the eukaryotic cell, the fundamental cell organelles, the genetic information transfer mechanisms. Such a course would also provide students, references to the scientific method which led to the understanding of the structures and mechanisms described.

Scientific Method.
Characterization of living organisms. Introduction to the cells and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
The chemical components of cells: small and macromolecules into the cell.
Structure and function of proteins.
The activity regulating proteins.
chemical composition, structure and replication of DNA.
From DNA to proteins.
chemical composition and structure of RNA.
From DNA to RNA.
From RNA to proteins.
The control of gene expression.
The structure of membranes: the lipid bilayer and membrane proteins.
The transport across cell membranes: the principles, transporters and their functions, ion channels and membrane potential.
intracellular compartments and transport of proteins.
The sorting of proteins.
Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes and mitochondria. mitochondrial contribution in the apoptotic process
Vesicular transport.
The secretory pathways. Phagocytosis, endocytosis, exocytosis, pinocytosis.
Cell signaling.
The general principles of cell signaling. Receptors. Intercellular communication.
The cytoskeleton. Intermediate filaments. Microtubules. Actin filaments.
cell cycle. The cell cycle control system. Mitosis and meiosis.
The extracellular matrix and cell adhesion.

In accordance with the Dublin Descriptors, at the end of the course and passing the exam, the student must demonstrate knowledge of the general problems of animal Biology: understanding the structure and the basic mechanisms of cell functioning, essential for subsequent areas on nutrition and food. Finally, the student must know how to expose shew with properties of language and appropriate terminology acquired knowledge and ability to analyze and discuss simple laboratory experiments.

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

Any practical exercises to be agreed with the students

Teaching

Lectures, any practical exercises will be agreed with the students

Attendance

Good knowledge of English

Course books

B. Lewin, L. Cassimeris, V. R. Lingappa, G. Plopper. Cellule, Zanichelli; B. Alberts, A. Johnson, J. Lewis, M. Raff, K. Roberts, P. Walter. L’essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula, Zanichelli

Assessment

Oral examination

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.

Teaching

Understanding of the English language. Recommended consulting power point lessons

Attendance

Understanding of the English language. Recommended consulting power point lessons

Course books

B. Lewin, L. Cassimeris, V. R. Lingappa, G. Plopper. Cellule, Zanichelli; B. Alberts, A. Johnson, J. Lewis, M. Raff, K. Roberts, P. Walter. L’essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula, Zanichelli

The teacher will share the power point lessons