Cell Biology

The cell biology course provides a basic understanding of the structure and function of cellular organelles and components, the functional interaction of the cell with its microenvironment, including neighboring cells, the extracellular matrix and the soluble mediators. Introduction to the cell cycle, its regulation is presented, features of cancer cells, basic knowledge on apoptosis and necrosis. Classes are centered on discussion oriented lectures to encourage critical thinking and emphasize the significance of research as a tool to achieve knowledge. The laboratory part exposes students to an overview of modern cell-related techniques and hands on experience to classical cell biology experiments.

The aim of this course is to cover fundamental aspects of the structure and function of cells and their organelles, to provide basic knowledge on cell cycle, apoptosis, features of cancer cells. Also modern cell biology problems and discoveries will be discussed.

Basic Biology and General Biochemistry

1. History of Cell biology. Cell theory. Methods in Cell biology. Composition of cytoplasm 2. Composition, structure, and functions of plasma membrane. Transport of substances into the cell. 3. Cytoskeleton. Organization of cytoskeleton. Actin filaments, microtubules, and Intermediate filaments: composition, structure, functions. 4. Cell movement. Endocytosis, forms of endocytosis 5. Intercellular contacts and cell adhesion. Intercellular matrix: composition and functions 6. Endoplasmic reticulum. Protein targeting. Molecular chaperones. Ubiquitin and 26S proteosomes 7. Golgi complex. Lysosomes. Exocytosis, exosomes 8. Nucleus. DNA organization levels 9. Mitochondrial function and autonomy. Peroxisomes. Peculiarities of the plant cell 10. Cell cycle. Cell division. Meiosis 11. Intercellular signal transduction 12. Apoptosis and necrosis 13. Properties of cancer cell 14. Biology of aging Practical work (contents): 1. Properties of Cell membranes; 2. Biochemical composition of cell: Carbohydrates; 3. Biochemical composition of cell: DNA 4. Biochemical composition of cell: Proteins 5. Peroxidation of lipids 6. Estimation of cell viability 7. Photosynthesis in chloroplasts 8. Cell fractionation; 9. Cell fraction marker enzymes 10. Staining of mitochondria using fluorescent dye MitoTracker.

Upon completion of the course, students will: - acquire knowledge: a) about the structure and principles of operation of the universal unit of life - the cell; (b) will learn the basic concepts; c) get acquainted with the most important methods of cell research - will be able to: a) understand the complexity of biological systems and understand the basic principles of their organization; problems and discoveries in modern cell biology; b) to understand the possibilities of applying knowledge of cell biology to biomedicine and biotechnology; (c) define the research methods and principles to be used and the possibilities for their practical application; d) analyze, record, compare, summarize, draw conclusions, relate the facts of the subject to a future profession; - develop: a) understand the principles of structure and operation of living systems; (b) practical work skills in a cell biology laboratory.