2025
Cell Biology
Name: Cell Biology
Code: BIO10917L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biological Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
To know the properties of the biomolecules, the main methods and techniques for the study of cell, and the theories about the origin of life. To understand the functional structure of the cell, as the result of an evolutionary and symbiotic process.
To Know the properties of the cell membrane relating them to the mechanisms responsible for cellular transport.
To know the genetic basis related to protein synthesis and its transmission in the processes of cell division. To know the biochemical pathways of uptake, storage and use of energy by the cell. To know the mechanisms of reception and amplification of chemical signals involved in intercellular communication.
To understand the mechanisms regulating cell differentiation and apoptosis. To know the main applications of cell biology in cell therapy, forensic medicine, biotecnology and other branches of biology.
To Know the properties of the cell membrane relating them to the mechanisms responsible for cellular transport.
To know the genetic basis related to protein synthesis and its transmission in the processes of cell division. To know the biochemical pathways of uptake, storage and use of energy by the cell. To know the mechanisms of reception and amplification of chemical signals involved in intercellular communication.
To understand the mechanisms regulating cell differentiation and apoptosis. To know the main applications of cell biology in cell therapy, forensic medicine, biotecnology and other branches of biology.
Contents
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.
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
The lectures are designed to systematize the program topics, define concepts and guide the learning process. The practical classes are outlined to develop skills in microscopy techniques for observation and identification of cells. Learning monitoring is made through the virtual Moodle platform. Handouts, scientific articles in English and French, and assessment tests are available at Moodle plataform. Teacher is in regular contact with students electronically.
Accreditations and Certifications
