2023
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Name: Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Code: CMS14302L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biochemistry, Biological Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Presentation
This CU provides the student with knowledge about cell organelles, the nomenclature of genes/proteins and the functions performed by specialized cells, in a logic of integration of molecular and cellular mechanisms with physiological processes.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
Learn cell organelles, gene/protein nomenclature and the function of specialized cells.
Gain a fundamental understanding of the molecular mechanisms that guide cell specialization as it pertains to mammalian physiology. Learn critical reasoning skills, hypothesis development, experimentation, and some rudimentary molecular biology data analysis. The ultimate goal is to understand how to integrate molecular and cellular mechanisms with physiological processes at the animal level.
Gain a fundamental understanding of the molecular mechanisms that guide cell specialization as it pertains to mammalian physiology. Learn critical reasoning skills, hypothesis development, experimentation, and some rudimentary molecular biology data analysis. The ultimate goal is to understand how to integrate molecular and cellular mechanisms with physiological processes at the animal level.
Contents
Course Overview; Introduction to Cells, and Cell Specialization in mammals;
Chemistry of cellular components and organelles: Nucleic acids, amino acids, lipids, polypeptides, and proteins;
The Nucleus, genome structure and Chromatin; Chromatin regulation;
DNA Replication, Recombination and Repair;
Transcription and splicing;
Translation and the Ribosome;
Control of Gene expression;
Post transcriptional control (miRNA and RNAi);
Cell signaling and homeostasis;
Actin and Tubulin cytoskeleton;
Motor proteins;
Cell cycle, cell division, mitosis and meiosis;
Membrane Structure and The Secretory Apparatus;
Membrane Proteins and Translocation into the ER and Nucleus;
Vesicle transport;
Endosomes, lysosome and phagocytosis;
Ion Channels;
The Extracellular Matrix;
Mitochondria Transport and electron transfer;
Cellular stress, apoptosis and senescence;
The cellular Clock;
Cellular differentiation, stem cells and hematopoiesis.
Chemistry of cellular components and organelles: Nucleic acids, amino acids, lipids, polypeptides, and proteins;
The Nucleus, genome structure and Chromatin; Chromatin regulation;
DNA Replication, Recombination and Repair;
Transcription and splicing;
Translation and the Ribosome;
Control of Gene expression;
Post transcriptional control (miRNA and RNAi);
Cell signaling and homeostasis;
Actin and Tubulin cytoskeleton;
Motor proteins;
Cell cycle, cell division, mitosis and meiosis;
Membrane Structure and The Secretory Apparatus;
Membrane Proteins and Translocation into the ER and Nucleus;
Vesicle transport;
Endosomes, lysosome and phagocytosis;
Ion Channels;
The Extracellular Matrix;
Mitochondria Transport and electron transfer;
Cellular stress, apoptosis and senescence;
The cellular Clock;
Cellular differentiation, stem cells and hematopoiesis.
Teaching Methods
The curricular unit will work using three types of class:
Theoretical. Expositive with audiovisuals support (PPT, videos, computer simulations), with exercises, encouraging generalized discussions.
Theoretical-practical. Presentation and discussion of scientific articles, for application and clarification of theoretical concepts, while simultaneously addressing the state of the art.
Laboratory. Execution of routine methodologies in cellular physiology, interpretation and discussion of the results, allowing a full application of the theoretical knowledge, and sedimented through the submission of reports.
The evaluation will consist of three components:
Two tests or final written exam (60%).
Laboratory reports (15%).
Assessment of laboratory work (25%).
Theoretical. Expositive with audiovisuals support (PPT, videos, computer simulations), with exercises, encouraging generalized discussions.
Theoretical-practical. Presentation and discussion of scientific articles, for application and clarification of theoretical concepts, while simultaneously addressing the state of the art.
Laboratory. Execution of routine methodologies in cellular physiology, interpretation and discussion of the results, allowing a full application of the theoretical knowledge, and sedimented through the submission of reports.
The evaluation will consist of three components:
Two tests or final written exam (60%).
Laboratory reports (15%).
Assessment of laboratory work (25%).
Teaching Staff
- Manuel Ramiro Dias Pastorinho [responsible]
- Rui Jorge Cegonho Raimundo
