Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
BB20160 The dynamic cell |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX 100% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take BB10006 and take BB20024 |
|
Aims:
i) To familiarise students with the concepts and vocabulary of key aspects of cell biology
ii) To give students an understanding of current models of how cells attach to and move upon their substrate, how they maintain their composition and shape, mechanisms and regulation of protein and lipid traffic, together with how pathogens use the cell's machinery for their survival and propagation. Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: i) Describe the major components of the cytoskeleton and their functions in cell integrity, in intracellular trafficking and in cell motility ii) Differentiate the various types of plant and animal cell-cell junctions iii) Summarise the major extracellular matrix components in plant and animal tissues and how cells attach to them iv) Discuss the key signals and mechanisms permitting targeting of protein components to various subcellular locations v) Discuss the key mechanisms of cellular pathogenicity vi) Extend their knowledge in these areas by reference to primary research articles. Skills: Written communication T/FA, Information handling and retrieval T/FA, Working independently T/F. Content: Cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix Intracellular trafficking Cytoskeleton Cellular pathogenicity. |