Cell Physiology

The theoretical teaching is based on oral presentations supported by multimedia presentations. Discussion of the fundamentals of the experimental work to be carried out (at the beginning of the experimental classes) and of the results obtained and their interpretation (at the end of the classes). In the theoretical-practical component, a space for discussion on the topics under study and their application in other contexts will be provided, with students encouraged to conduct a prior reading of the recommended bibliography. The theoretical-practical component includes a laboratory component per module and a discussion of scientific articles.

The main objective of the curricular unit is to understand the mechanisms of cellular transport at biological membranes and their implications in cellular metabolism. Cellular communication and changes that occur at the level of cells, tissues and the body in the presence of (extracellular) bindings, such as the different classes of neurotransmitters, hormones, growth factors and death factors, it will be addressed, allowing students to perceive cellular communication and the effect of some drugs, aiming at an integration of knowledge with the interpretation of some situations of their daily lives. At a personal level it makes it possible to develop autonomous and critical-minded learning skills.

1. Transporte Membranar:

1. Membrane Transport:

1.1. Passive transport

– Partition coefficients and Ionophores (classes, experimental applications);

– Ion channels;

– Electrical membrane potentials (Nernst expression and GHK equation);

– Glucose carriers;

1.2. Primary and secondary active transport

– ATPases (classification, functions and pathologies) and ABC transporters;

1.3. Cellular interiorization of macromolecules: endocytosis (phagocytosis, pinocytosis and receptor-mediated endocytosis) and exocytosis.

2. Intercellular signaling:

2.1.Intercellular communication (endocrine, paracrine, autocrine and communication by surface proteins);

2.2. Specificity of the receptors;

2.3. Classification of hormones and their mode of action;

2.4. Classification of neurotransmitters and their mode of action;

2.5. Intracellular second messengers;

2.6. Definitions of cell death. Apoptotic cascade;

2.7. Tumour cells.

NAO