Cellular and Molecular Biology

Basic knowledge of Biology.

– Use of audiovisual media for expository and interactive classes.
– Possibility of individual execution of some techniques of cellular and molecular biology or analysis of photographs / results of some works.
– Conducting group work to present and discuss related scientific articles.
– Possibility to carry out study visits to laboratories to contact advanced techniques in cellular and molecular biology.
– Indication of the recommended bibliography list for the subject at the beginning of the academic year and availability of attendance at the Institution at a defined schedule every six months, or to be agreed with the student.

This unit the student should acquire and apply skills in order to integrate knowledge with other areas (physiology/biochemistry). Its intended to provide the basis for understanding biological, with an emphasis on the cellular and molecular levels and evolution of living beings The skills to develop are:
– Have a global view of the cell understanding the phenomenon of life in all its diversity of manifestations.
– Acquire knowledge about the molecular composition of the cell and the function of macromolecules;
– Understand the cell as a basic unit of life and know the different cell types
– Identify organelles and cellular structures and their structure-function relationship
– Know the main basic bio-energetic relationships;
– Know the importance of cell division in reproduction, growth, repair and maintenance of life
– Know the mechanisms of storage, transmission and expression of genetic information and the mechanisms involved in the regulation

THEORETICAL PROGRAM:
1 – History of Biology
2 – The chemistry of life
2.1 – Introduction to metabolism.
Cell Biology:
3 – The cell
4 – Structure and function of biological membranes
5 – Structure and function of the core
6 – The endomembranous system and other organites
7 – The cytoskeleton
8 – The mitochondria and chloroplast
9 – Cell reproduction: Mitosis and meiosis
Molecular Biology:
10 – Structure and chemistry of nucleic acids – DNA and RNA.
11 – DNA replication
12 – Information transfer – from DNA to protein: transcription and translation.
13 – Genetic code and protein synthesis.

THEORETICAL-PRACTICAL PROGRAM:
– Observation of different types of cells and structures
– Osmosis in plant and animal cells
– Mitosis and Meiosis
– DNA extraction and electrophoresis
– Analysis of results of cellular and molecular techniques.

The number of classes / hours missing are for presentation and evaluation.

NAO

Primary bibliography: 
1 – Biologia Celular e Molecular. Carlos Azevedo e Cláudio E. Sunkel,. 2012. 5ª edição. Lidel. Portugal.
2 – Molecular Biology of the Cell. Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter. 2014- 6th edition. Garland Publishing. New York & London.
3 – Molecular Cell Biology. Lodish, H. et al 2016, 8th edition, Freeman & Co, USA
4 – Campbell Biology. Jane B. Reece.2013, 10th Ed. The Benjamin / Cummings Publishing. California. USA.
5 – Biology. N. A. Campbell. 1993, 4th edition. The Benjamin / Cummings Publishing. California. USA.
6 – Biologia Celular y Molecular. E. D. P. de Robertis, E. M. F. de Robertis. 1996. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian. Lisboa. Portugal.