Cell Biology

Code: BIO13568L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Biological Sciences

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Sustainable Development Goals

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Learning Goals

Knowing the properties of the main biomolecules of the cell, as well as the main methods and techniques used in cell study. To envisage the cell structure from a functional viewpoint. To understand the properties of cell membrane and and relate them to the transport mechanisms through the membrane. Knowledge on the genetic pool of the cell and its expression in protein synthesis. To know the biochemical pathways of uptake, storage and use of energy by the cell. Knowing the mechanisms of chemical signal reception and amplification in cell communication. Understanding the cell differentiation and cell death (apoptosis) mechanisms. To know the main applications of cell biology in forensic medicine, medical therapies, bio-industries and other branches of biology.

Methods and Techniques used in cell study. Biomolecules. Origin of life. Cells: paradigms and diversity.
Cellular organization: cell membrane; membrane-bound organelles; semi-autonomous organelles; cytosol and its inclusions. Cytoskeleton. Extracellular structures: cell wall, extracellular matrix. Transmembrane transport and metabolism: Functional order. Energy: thermodynamics in the cell; redox reactions; energy conversion. Information: genomic information; intercellular and intracellular communication; cell recognition. Cell Reproduction: Mitosis; mitotic chromosomes; the mitotic cycle. Meiosis. Cell proliferation and differentiation: growth factors; mechanisms of differentiation. Cell death (apoptosis). Applications of cell biology.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes focus on both the formulation, definition and analysis of concepts and functional mechanisms of the cell. Practical classes are dedicated to the implementation of techniques and to the preparation of biological material for observation under the photonic microscope.
Students must take a final theoretical and practical exam timetabled for both regular and supplementary seasons. For each component (theoretical and practical), the lowest score required for approval is 10/20 points. The theoretical component accounts 65% and the practical 35% of the final score, summing up 20 points.