Cell Biology

Catalog description

This course focuses on the structure and function of eukaryotic cells. Students explore the relationship between gene expression and protein synthesis, and discuss how different proteins coordinate a complex array of important biological tasks in the cell. The course covers the biochemical interactions that occur within and between cells that sustain viability and mediate cell communication. Topics include gene expression and protein production, enzyme structure/function, protein to protein interactions, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix, mechanisms of transport, signal transduction, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Laboratories include analysis of cell morphology, RNA and protein expression, and assays to study the growth, differentiation, and death of eukaryotic cells in response to their environment.