Unit 3111: Advanced Cell Biology and Genetics

1. Introduction to Cell Biology

1.1 Basic Principles of Cell Biology

• Definition and importance of cells in living organisms
• Overview of cell theory

1.2 Cell Structure and Function

• Cell types: prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells
• Key cell organelles and their functions: nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, chloroplasts

1.3 Diversity of Cells

• Specialized cells in multicellular organisms
• Comparison of plant, animal, fungal, and bacterial cells

2. Cell Membrane and Transport Mechanisms

2.1 Structure of the Cell Membrane

• Phospholipid bilayer
• Membrane proteins: integral and peripheral
• Fluid mosaic model

2.2 Transport Mechanisms

• Passive transport: diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion
• Active transport: pumps, endocytosis, exocytosis
• Role of transport in maintaining homeostasis

3. Cellular Metabolism and Energy Production

3.1 Overview of Cellular Metabolism

• Catabolic and anabolic pathways

3.2 Cellular Respiration

• Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain
• Role of mitochondria in ATP production

3.3 Photosynthesis

• Light-dependent and light-independent reactions
• Chloroplast function and significance

3.4 ATP: The Energy Currency

• ATP structure and role in cellular activities

4. Cell Division and the Cell Cycle

4.1 The Cell Cycle Phases

• Interphase: G1, S, G2 phases
• Checkpoints and regulation

4.2 Mitosis

• Stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, cytokinesis
• Importance in growth and repair

4.3 Meiosis

• Stages and significance
• Genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment

5. Genetics and Inheritance

5.1 Principles of Genetics

• Mendelian genetics: laws of segregation and independent assortment
• Dominant, recessive, codominance, incomplete dominance

5.2 Inheritance Patterns

• Autosomal vs sex-linked traits
• Pedigree analysis

5.3 Genetic Disorders

• Examples and causes
• Role of mutations

5.4 DNA and Heredity

• DNA as the genetic material

6. DNA Structure and Replication

6.1 Structure of DNA

• Double helix model
• Nucleotide composition: sugar, phosphate, nitrogenous bases
• Complementary base pairing

6.2 DNA Replication Process

• Semi-conservative replication
• Enzymes involved: helicase, DNA polymerase, ligase

6.3 Importance of Accurate Replication

• Mutation prevention
• Implications for heredity and cell function

7. Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis

7.1 Transcription

• DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA)
• Role of RNA polymerase
• RNA processing: splicing, 5’ cap, poly-A tail

7.2 Translation

• mRNA to protein
• Role of ribosomes, tRNA, and amino acids
• Genetic code and codons

7.3 Regulation of Gene Expression

• Transcription factors
• Epigenetic influences

8. Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

8.1 Genetic Engineering Techniques

• Recombinant DNA technology
• CRISPR-Cas9 and gene editing

8.2 Applications

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in agriculture
• Gene therapy in medicine
• Research tools and ethical considerations

9. Cell Signaling and Communication

9.1 Importance of Cell Communication

• Coordination of cellular activities

9.2 Signaling Pathways

• Types: autocrine, paracrine, endocrine, juxtacrine

9.3 Molecules Involved

• Hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors
• Cell surface receptors: G-protein coupled receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases

9.4 Signal Transduction Mechanisms

• Second messengers
• Cellular responses and feedback regulation