940106 Introduction to cell biology and genetics


Type
Lecture
Semester hours
4
Lecturer (assistant)
Organisation
Offered in
Wintersemester 2023/24
Languages of instruction
Deutsch

Content

Section cell biology:

The organisation of living systems; the molecular composition of cell structures.

Methods for the investigation of cellular and subcellular structures.

Membranes: components, structure and function; membrane models.

Transport processes across membranes: ion channels, carriers; the osmotic equilibrium.

The compartmentation of cells: cell organelles. The structure of the nucleus, of mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Structure and function of the proteins: folding of the macromolecule; antibodies, enzymes, motor proteins, molecular switches, the proteins of the cytoskeleton.

Energy transformation and metabolism: direction and rate of cell processes; glycolysis, respiration, photosynthesis.

The cell surface: extracellular matrix, formation of tissues.

Specialized cells and their function in multicellular organisms.

Intracellular and intercellular communication.



Section genetics:

Concepts in genetics

Structure and some properties of DNA and RNA

Gene expression (overview)

Cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, homologous recombination;

Gene mutations

Chromosome structure and mutations

Chromosomal basis of heredity: Mendelian genetics, basics of eukaryotic chromosome mapping,

Extranuclear genomes (cytoplasmic inheritance)

basic concepts in population genetics
.

Previous knowledge expected

.

Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

By the end of the study the students will

- understand the basic principles in cell biology and genetics

- be able to apply the basic techniques for microscopy

- be able to describe the structure, function and replication of DNA

- understand the basic mechanisms of inheritance including Mendelian and non-Mendelian modes of inheritance

- be able to understand how gene expression is regulated

- understand the origin and impact of mutations

- be familiar with basic epigenetic mechanisms

- be aware of the potential applications of genetic information
.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.