521-303 Molecular Aspects of Cell Biology

Biochemistry 521-211, 521-212 and either 521-220 or 521-221; or 521-203; or 521-024.

BBiomedSc students: 521-213 and 536-250.

To complement the information explosion of the new genomic era, it is essential to appreciate the cellular architecture of cells and how the delivery of proteins to their correct locations in the cell is crucial for the complex intracellular signalling pathways that control cell morphology, organisation and behaviour.

Topics covered include compartmentalisation in eukaryotic cells; intracellular RNA and protein traffic; the molecular structure, function and biogenesis of subcellular organelles; protein folding and maturation; vesicle-mediated transport; structure and function of the extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules and their role in diseased states such as malignancies; cellular stress responses and linked signal transduction events; cytoskeletal structures and the signal transduction processes regulating the assembly and disassembly of actin-cytoskeleton; molecular processes determining cell movement and shape changes.

Students should acquire an understanding of the relationships between molecular design, cellular organisation and biological function of normal, stressed and malignant eukaryotic cells, as well as detailed knowledge of the major experimental strategies for investigating the molecular basis of these relationships.

In addition to these specific skills, students will think critically from consideration of the lecture material and research papers, expand from theoretical principles to practical explanations through observing and reporting research literature and acquire abilities in collaborative working, while participating in group presentations.

A 2.5-hour end-of-semester written examination (80%) plus continuous assessment based on up to four short tests and/or oral presentation and written assignment (20%).

• B Alberts et al, Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edn, Garland, 2001.
  or
  H Lodish et al, Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edn, Sci. Amer. Books, 2000.