536-302 Mammalian Cellular Physiology

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Objectives:

Students completing this subject should:

Comprehend:

• the relationships between structure and function in some specialised groups of mammalian cells;

• the functional features of various cell types that make them unique;

• the complex links between cell stimulus and cell response in a variety of cell types;

• how the properties of individual cells contribute to, or determine the features of mammalian tissues and organ system.

Develop:

• skills in using a theoretical basis to devise experimental approaches to investigate features of cell function;

• skills in critical evaluation and interpretation of experimental physiological data;

• skills in accurate and concise report writing based on recorded experimental results.

Appreciate:

• the importance of rational, critical and independent thought in the understanding of cell physiology.

Content:

Membrane structure and permeability; cell growth, cell cycle; gene expression; carriers, port, channels and receptors; trans membrane transport; cell volume regulation; transepithelial permeability and electrophysiology; re-absorption and secretion; neurotransmissions; stimulation-secretion coupling; excitation- contraction coupling; regulation of cell function, autocoids; blood cell development and control of proliferating cells. Optical methods in Cell Biology-fluorescence microscopy, computer-assisted imaging, confocal microscopy, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).

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