521-303 Molecular Aspects of Cell Biology

Biochemistry 521-211, 521-212 and 521-220.

Other combinations that provide a similar background will be considered by the coordinator.

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; imaging of processes within live cells.

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.

Two 1-hour multiple choice tests during the semester (5% each); a 10-15 minute group oral presentation during the semester (5%); a 1000-word written assignment due during the semester (5%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).

• B Alberts et al, Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edn, Garland, 2002.
  or
  H Lodish et al, Molecular Cell Biology. 5th edn, Scientific American Books, 2004.