Cell Biology

Catalog description

This course will emphasize an understanding of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells from a molecular viewpoint. We will explore cell activities by answering the questions: What are the critical components of specific cellular processes and how are they regulated? An important part of this course will be appreciation of the experimental evidence that supports our current understanding of cell function. To achieve this aim, we will highlight a variety of experimental techniques currently used in research, and students will read papers from the primary literature to supplement the text. Topics will include cell structure, protein structure and function, internal organization of the eukaryotic cell, membrane structure and function, protein sorting, organelle biogenesis, and cytoskeleton structure and function. The course will also cover the life cycles of cells, their interactions with each other and their environment, intracellular signaling and cell death mechanisms. After establishing a detailed understanding of cell biology, we will explore how normal cellular processes go awry, leading to diseases such as cancer. This course fulfills the Cell and Molecular breadth requirement of the B.A. and B.S. in Biology. Prereq: (Undergraduate Student and BIOL 215 ) or Requisites Not Met permission.