Cell Biology Course Info and Introduction

What is Cell Biology? Investigation of Biological Systems –Biochemistry –Molecular Biology –Genetics/Molecular Genetics –Cell Biology Multidisciplinary Areas –Immunology –Developmental Biology –Oncology –Physiology

Cell Biology Study of Cellular Level Problems/Questions –Organelle structure function –Protein trafficking –Cell signaling –Cell adhesion –Cell cycle

Cell Biology A variety of methodologies used to study these types of questions –Molecular biological –Biochemical –Immunological –Genetic

Overview of This Course Introduction to Cell Structures Organelle Functions Review of Gene Expression Protein Processing & Trafficking Cell Signaling Cell Cycle

Categories of Cells Eukaryotic –membranous organelles nucleus, ER, Golgi, vesicles, mitochondria, plastids –cytoskeleton actin, myosin, tubulin Prokaryotic –circular chromosome

Cells – General Features (Eukaryotes)

Principles of Cell Function Genetic information –DNA in chromosome(s) –replicated during each cell division

Principles of Cell Function Flow of genetic information –Genetic information is transcribed into RNAs –mRNA directs the synthesis of proteins via Ribosomes (rRNA) and tRNA

Principles of Cell Function Self Assembly of macromolecules from smaller subunits

Origination of membranes – expansion of preexisting membranes following biosynthesis of necessary lipid molecules Principles of Cell Function

Intra- & Extracellular trafficking –Proteins and vesicles are targeted by specific signal sequences (amino acid sequences) to their appropriate subcellular locations

Principles of Cell Function Movement of cellular constituents –diffusion – proteins, small biomolecules, ions –pumps – ions, small biomolecules –motors – large macromolecular assemblies, organelles

Principles of Cell Function Cell signaling –allows cells to respond to extracellular environment –Signaling pathways Ligands – hormones, growth factors, cytokines, neurotransmitters Receptors Second messengers

Principles of Cell Function Control of processes by feedback mechanisms –Control propagation of signals –control biosynthesis and degradation of most substances –Cell division