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Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


BB30045: Cell membranes

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: EX 80%, PR 20%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take BB20024
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To introduce the student to the principles governing the structure and function of biological membranes. To introduce the principles governing the structure of the lipid bilayer and the topological arrangement of proteins in the membrane. To introduce the principles and mechanisms involved in the transport of solutes across cell membranes. To introduce the student to mechanisms involved in sorting membrane proteins to specialised subcellular compartments. To provide an understanding of the overall importance of membrane processes in cellular function.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* outline how membrane lipids and proteins are structurally organised in the membrane;
* describe how ions and sugars are transported across membranes;
* describe the mechanisms by which membrane proteins are sorted into specialised subcellular compartments and the routes by which membrane trafficking occurs.

Skills:
Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Numeracy & computation T/F/A, Laboratory skills T/F, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.

Content:
Functions and common structural feature of membrane lipids and proteins. Case study of the erythrocyte membrane proteins. Lateral diffusion of membrane components. Common features of membrane transporters for ions and neutral molecules together with the specialised features that provide substrate specificity. Simple kinetic features of the membrane transport process. Mechanisms for membrane vesicle budding and fusion and the functional significance of these processes in terms of membrane protein sorting and trafficking.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

BB30045 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-ANM02 : MBiochem (hons) Biochemistry (Full-time with Thin Sandwich Placements) - Year 3

BB30045 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-AFB02 : BSc (hons) Biochemistry (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USBB-AKB06 : BSc (hons) Biochemistry with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USBB-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USBB-AKB08 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USBB-AKM05 : MBiol (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.