Module BIOL2211: CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL2211: CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Prerequisites

• Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology (BIOL1072).

Corequisites

• Molecular Biology (BIOL2201).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To promote an appreciation of how the organisation of cellular architecture in eukaryotic cells contributes to their basic functions in movement, division, shape and survival.

Content

• Models of cell membranes.
• Lipid bilayers.
• Membrane proteins, properties and organisation.
• Insertion of membrane proteins in lipid bilayers.
• Communication across the plasma membrane.
• Adaptor proteins and their role in membrane transport.
• Secretory vesicles.
• The actin cytoskeleton.
• Microtubule cytoskeleton.
• Organelle movement.
• The intermediate filament cytoskeleton.
• Extracellular Matrix.
• Nuclear Architecture.
• The nuclear pore complex - nuclear transport.
• Cell communication.
• G protein receptors.
• Adenylyl Cyclase.
• Protein Kinase A.
• Neuronal coding of information, ion distribution and active transport.
• Membrane electrogenesis, electrogenic transport and electrochemical equilibria.
• Ion channel properties.
• generation and transmission of signals.
• Cell Movement and Division.
• Stages and processes of cell division.
• Lessons from oocytes, MPF and cyclins.
• Cyclin dependent kinases and their identification in yeast.
• Integrins and cellular extracellular interactions.
• Fibroblast movement.
• Actin mediated movement.
• Metalloproteinase involvement in movement.
• Cell Ageing and Death.
• Cellular ageing - the Hayflick phenomenon.
• The role of telomeres in cell ageing.
• Programmed cell death - apoptosis.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module each student should be able to: Describe the composition and dynamic properties of cell membranes.
• Explain how the various components of the cytoskeleton are organised and how they contribute to cell shape and movement.
• Describe the basic composition of the extracellular matrix.
• Integrate structural information on the various components of the living cell with its basic needs to move, divide and survive.

• Extract, compile and review relevant scientific information from various sources and evaluate them critically.
• Interpret and critically analyse sample experimental data and present the results effectively.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching and learning in this component is primarily through the means of lectures.
• Skills will be acquired through the manipulation and presentation of data.
• Knowledge will be formally assessed through the use of MCQs and summatively by a written examination.
• Interpretation of data will be assessed by means of unseen data handling paper.
• Understanding will be assessed by means of a written examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Data handling exercise.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University