General and Cellular Biology

Classification of living organisms. Division into Kingdoms: Bacteria, Archaeologists, Protists, Mushrooms, Plants and Animals. Biodiversity and the origin of life.
Chemical composition of living matter. Biological macromolecules. Structure and functions of proteins. Structure and functions of nucleic acids.
DNA as hereditary material. General information on the structure of the eukaryotic gene. From genes to proteins: transcription and translation.
Energy and metabolism. Chemo-autotrophic, photo-autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Enzymes: nature and properties. The concept of the metabolic pathway.
The eukaryotic cell and its compartmentalization. Comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Structure and functions of the eukaryotic cell. Notes on the study methods of cells and tissues. The nucleus. Chromatin and chromosomes. The endomembrane system and intracellular compartments. The cytoskeleton. The mitochondrion. Lysosomes and peroxisomes. The extracellular matrix. Composition, structure and role of the plasma membrane. Transport through the membrane. Intercellular junctions and the organization of cells in tissues. Interaction of organisms with the external environment. Cellular communication mechanisms.
Reproduction of cells and organisms. Asexual, sexual reproduction and its evolutionary importance. The cell cycle and notes on its control. Mechanisms of programmed cell death: apoptosis. Uncontrolled cell proliferation: cancer.
Comparison between somatic and germ cells through the processes of mitotic and meiotic division. General information on the mechanisms of fertilization and the early stages of embryonic development.
The course includes four exercises:
1. A classroom exercise on the fundamental Meselson and Stahl experiment to understand the process of DNA replication. Students will have the opportunity to perform practical simulations and discuss the results.
2. A classroom exercise introducing students to the fundamental principles of optical and fluorescence microscopy.
3. A laboratory exercise for an introduction to the biological laboratory where students will be guided through safety procedures, the handling of biological samples, and the basics of laboratory experimentation.
4. A laboratory exercise that will allow students to observe, count, and culture live cells using phase-contrast microscopy, as well as examine histological preparations using optical microscopy.