The course is designed to provide basic knowledge of the essential components, structure, and function of the cell, the mechanisms underlying the transfer of genetic information, and the main cellular processes. Furthermore, the course aims to study not only the individual molecular mechanisms but also the dynamic interactions that participate in the formation of the intricate and fine regulated cellular system.

The knowledge provided by the course in Cell Biology will be necessary to address the study of anatomy and molecular biology.

Introduction to the topic of cells and the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Main cellular chemical components: sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, nucleotides, and macromolecules (lipids, proteins, nucleic acids).
Proteins: introduction to structure, function, and regulation of their activity.
Desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): structure, function, and replication. Nucleosome, chromatin, and chromosomes.
From DNA to RNA: Chemical composition and structure of RNA. Transcription and maturation of RNA. Control of gene expression.
From RNA to proteins: genetic code and translation. 
Cell membrane: Structure and function. Phospholipid bilayer and membrane proteins.
Principles of cell membrane transport: carriers and their structure and function; ionic channels and membrane potential.
Nucleus and nuclear membrane.
Intracellular compartments and transport of materials: the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and ribosomes, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), the Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. Vesicular transport.
Peroxisomes.
Mitochondria. 
Secretory pathways. Phagocytosis, endocytosis, pinocytosis.
Cytoskeleton: intermediate filaments, microtubules, actin filaments. Cilia and flagella.
Cellular communication: general principles of cellular signaling, G protein-coupled receptors, enzymes-coupled receptors, 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.

Not required

Knowledge and ability of comprehension: The student must demonstrate knowledge of the structure and main functions of the animal cell; knowledge of the structural and functional properties of the main biological molecules.
Ability to apply knowledge and comprehension: The student must demonstrate to be able to establish correlations between biological structure and functions, and to connect the different topics covered.
Autonomy of judgement: The student must demonstrate to be able to critically evaluate and argue the information acquired.
Communication skills: The student must demonstrate to be able to communicate the acquired notions with adequate scientific terminology.
Learning skill: The student must demonstrate to be able to build his own learning path, using materials provided by the teacher or acquired independently to explore new aspects in the field of 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

Not planned

Teaching

Lectures

Attendance

Attendance at lectures is strongly recommended.

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

The expected learning outcomes will be assessed through a written multiple-choice test.

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

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer, in addition to recommended textbooks, can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Attendance

None

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

The expected learning outcomes will be assessed through a written multiple-choice test.

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.