Knowledge and understanding.
The student will learn the structure and function of the animal cell, and fundamental principles of genetics. The student will also learn principles regulating cellular interactions with other cells in tissues.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
With the acquired knowledge of cell biology, the student will have the necessary background for subsequent studies in the fields of physiology, anatomy, and general pathology.
Making judgements.
By the end of the course, the student will be able to critically evaluate data and literature concerning biology of the eukaryotic cell.
Communication skills.
By the end of the course, the student will be able to clearly present and articulate concepts and knowledge acquired.
Learning skills.
By the end of the course the student will be able to deepen autonomously her/his knowledge on the subjects of the course, also by accessing specialized literature.

This course requires basic knowledge of inorganic and organic chemistry, and rudiments of thermodynamics.

This module aims to provide basic notions on cellular and molecular biology. Contents:
The molecular components of the animal cell.
The flow of genetic information. How cells read the genome.
Morphology and biology of the animal cell.
The cell in the context of tissues. Cell division, signal transduction, programmed cell death. Cancer.
The contents of the course are consistent with the educational objectives reported in the “Regolamento Didattico” of the program (Corso di Studio).

“Essential cell biology” Alberts et al. (Garland Science)

“The cell. A molecular approach.” Cooper e Hausman (Sinauer)

“Biologia cellulare e Genetica. Prima parte: Biologia Cellulare.” Fantoni et al. (Piccin)

Part 1. Macromolecules of the cell. Protein Structure and Function. DNA and Chromosomes. DNA structure. Structure of eukaryotic chromosomes. Chromatin organization.
Part 2. DNA Replication. DNA Repair. Definition of gene. Principles of gene expression. Transcription. Translation.
Part 3. The cell. Membrane structure and membrane proteins. Transport across cell membranes. Cellular organelles. Nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes. Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, exocytosis, endocytosis, vesicular traffic. Cytoskeleton. Intermediate filaments. Microtubules. Microfilaments.
Part 4. The cell division cycle. Control of the cell cycle. Mitosis. Meiosis. Cell Signaling. Ligands, receptors, and general principles of signal transduction. Cell death, apoptosis and necrosis. Cancer and cell transformation. Oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes.

The course is based on classroom lectures. At the end of each lecture, slides and presentations are readily accessible to students through the platform MS Teams. Any changes to the methods described here that may be necessary to ensure the application of safety protocols in the context of possible emergency situations will be announced on the Department website, the Course of Study and on the Moodle page for teaching

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The assessment is done with a written test that includes multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions. The test covers all contents of the course. In addition to assessing the specific knowledge of the subject, this test also evaluates the capacity to communicate such knowledge clearly and concisely. The score will be expressed as 30/30. To pass the exam, students must obtain a score of at least 18/30. The final mark, in 30/30, will be defined by calculating the average with the score obtained in the other modules. Any changes to the methods described here that may be necessary to ensure the application of safety protocols in the context of possible emergency situations will be announced on the Department website, the Course of Study and on the Moodle page for teaching