Molecular Cell Biology

Overview

This module aims to provide students with a substantial understanding of the molecular basis of cell structure and function, including practical experience of handling and observing living mammalian cells. The module content covers fundamental issues such as plasma membrane structure and function, cellular compartmentalisation, mechanisms for protein and membrane-based transport between endomembrane compartments, organelle-specific functions, the cytoskeleton and cell junctions. Cell signalling mechanisms and the processes of information flow between the plasma membrane and the nucleus are covered in some detail and will provide students with the knowledge base to understand intracellular control mechanisms and the bulk of the literature published in current medical research.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module the successful student will be able to:
• Classify the major intracellular compartments of eukaryotic cells, recognise topological equivalence between compartments and explain the mechanisms involved in the transport of biological molecules between them.
• Relate cellular morphology and ultrastructure to differentiated function and gene expression.
• Describe the major steps in the Biosecretory, Endocytic and Membrane Retrieval Pathways and explain the transport mechanisms involved throughout these pathways.
• Discuss the functions of the lysosomal system and it’s relationships with the Biosecretory and Endocytic pathways.
• Classify the elements of the cytoskeleton and explain their structural and dynamic functions in collaboration with associated motor proteins.
• Differentiate the roles of major cell organelles.
• Discuss the relationship between cells and their extracellular matrix.
• Explain the principles of intercellular and intracellular communication.
• Recognise the importance of post-translational modification in protein function, intracellular cell communication and maintenance of protein integrity.
• Differentiate the major molecular mechanisms for the control of proliferation, survival and death in cells.
• Discuss oxidative stress in cells and cellular defence strategies.
• Outline the major experimental strategies employed in cell-based research.

Skills

• Searching scientific and literature databases.
• Critical reading of original scientific literature.
• Essay writing.
• Practical laboratory skills in animal cell handling and culture, phase-contrast biomicroscopy, immunofluorescent staining, confocal scanning laser microscopy

Assessment

All continuous assessment elements must be submitted. Students must achieve a minimum of 40% in the combined continuous assessment elements to pass the module. To gain an equal share of the marks in a group assignment, students must give a full commitment to the group in attendance and actions. Although 100 % attendance at all classes is normally expected, a minimum of 75 % attendance will be acceptable if appropriate mitigation is provided.