Cellular Biology

Not applicable

Lecture (T) classes target the theoretical foundations of the course, practical (TP) classes target questions resolution and laboratory (PL) classes the application of the acquired concepts. In lecture classes the theoretical concepts exposition will be performed by an expositive methodology, and, when adequate, by discussions and queries with the class. In the practical classes the different chapters exercise sheets are solved. In laboratory classes practical works to identify cell structure and morphology by dying procedures will be performed.

The main objective of the curricular unit (UC) is to provide the students with the fundamental concepts of Cell Biology, so that they are able to understand the concepts covered in the following UC’s in the curricular plan of the degree, in the area of Biological Sciences. It is intended, therefore, that students are able to: i) recognize and apply cell study methodologies in practice; ii) identify and distinguish cell structures and functions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; iii) recognize the structure of cell membranes and the main transport mechanisms; iv) to identify cell reproduction processes in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

1. The study of the cell

Origin, evolution and cell diversity. Cell study methodologies. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Methodologies of cell study and characterization. Optical and electronic microscopy fundamentals. Main microscopy applications.

2. Structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Morphological characteristics of prokaryotic microorganisms. Cellular structures and function in prokaryotic cells. Cellular structures and function in eukaryotic cells. Latent forms.

3. Cellular processes

The plasma membrane and transmembrane transport. Structure and function of biological membranes. Mobility and asymmetry. Dynamics of membranes. Transport through the membrane: Simple Diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport and group translocation. Cell division mechanisms. Reproduction of prokaryotic microorganisms. Cell cycle of eukaryotic organisms. Reproduction in eukaryotic organisms: mitosis, meiosis and gametogenesis.

The evaluation is continuous and has two components: i) Theoretical component (TA) carried out by 2 intermediate written tests (50% of the AT classification each), or by final exam, with the possibility for the students to perform, additionally, other evaluation instruments throughout the semester (10% in total, reducing the other instruments to 90%); ii) Laboratory practical component (AP), comprising continuous evaluation of the student performance in classes (20% of the AP classification), the report and discussion of the results obtained in the experimental works (20%) and 1 final laboratory test (60% of the AP classification). With the exception of working-students, the students who complete all theoretical continuous assessment instruments do not have access to the regular exam. In the written and lab tests, consultation of any documents or the use of electronic equipment is not allowed.

The student must obtain in cumulation (or have obtained in previous years): i) attendance in the laboratory classes with practical coloration works to be admitted to evaluation; and ii) attendance of, at least, 75% of the overall class hours of the course unit (except for working-students) to be admitted to the intermediate written tests.

The classification of the practical component previously obtained, if positive, remains valid for the present year. In order to be approved in this course it is required a minimum of 9.5 values in both components (AT and AP). Given that this criterium is fulfilled, the final classification of this course unit will be given by the expression: 0,75xAT + 0,25xAP.

NAO