Providing basic knowledge about cell structure and function, mechanisms of transfer of genetic information and main cellular processes. Moreover, not only the single molecular mechanisms, but also the dynamic interactions among the different molecules, will be studied. 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 and macromolecules (lipids, proteins, nucleic acids).
Proteins: structure, function and regulation of their function.
Desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): structure, function and replication. Nucleosome, chromatin and chromosomes. Control of gene expression.
Ribonucleic acid (RNA): chemical composition and structure. Transcription, RNA maturation. From RNA to proteins: genetic code and translation. 
Biological membrane structure. Phospholipid bilayer and membrane proteins.
Membrane transport: principles; carriers: structure and function; ionic channels and membrane voltage.
Nucleus and nuclear membrane.
Intracellular compartments and transport of materials: endoplasmic reticulum (either rough or smooth), Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, transport by vesicles, 
Secretory ways. Phagocytosis, endocytosis, pinocytosis.
Peroxisomes.
Mitochondrions. 
Cytoskeleton: intermediate filaments, microtubules, actin filaments.
Cellular communication: principles of cellular signaling, receptors coupled to G protein receptors coupled to enzymes, receptors coupled to ion channels. Examples of intracellular signaling pathways (adenylate cyclase and cAMP, phospholipase c).
Cell cycle and its control. Mitosis and meiosis.
Extracellular matrix and cell adhesion.

Bridging courses are not required.
 

Knowledge and ability of comprehension: the student must demonstrate to know the structure and the functions of the main biological molecules, to know the structure and the main functions of the animal cell.
Ability to apply knowledge and comprehension: the student must demonstrate to be able to establish correlation between biological structure and function and to link the different studied topics.  

Autonomy of judgement: the student must demonstrate to be able to critically evaluate the information received.
Communication skills: the student must demonstrate to be able to communicate the acquired skills by adequate scientific language.
Learning skill: the student must demonstrate to be able to build his own learning path, using materials given by the teacher or autonomously acquired to increase the knowledge of new aspects regarding biology.

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

Attendance

Attendance of frontal lessons is strongly reccomended.

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

Expected learning outcomes will be evaluated by a 15-30 min. oral examination. It generally includes three questions: one of these is about the biomolecules and the biomolecular processes (DNA duplication, transcription, translation and gene expression regulation); the second one is about cellular membrane and organelles; the third question is about cytoskeleton or cell cycle or intracellular signalling. Four evaluation criteria will be considered: The relevance and effectiveness of the answers in relation to the content of the program; the level of the answer structure; the adequacy of the language; the ability to link the different arguments included in the program.

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.

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

 Expected learning outcomes will be evaluated by a 15-30 min-oral examination. It generally includes three questions: one of these is about the biomolecules and the biomolecular processes (DNA duplication, transcription, translation and gene expression regulation); the second one is about cellular membrane and organelles; the third question is about cytoskeleton or cell cycle or intracellular signalling. Four evaluation criteria will be considered: The relevance and effectiveness of the answers in relation to the content of the program; the level of the answer structure; the adequacy of the language; the ability to link the different arguments included in the program.

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.