Cellular and Molecular Biology II

Recommended Prerequisites

The student must have passed Cellular and Molecular Biology I.

The student should be able to read and understand papers or other bibliography in English.

Teaching Methods

Lectures – 16 hr

Practical and theoretical/practical classes -38 h:

These include - Group discussion of current topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology applied to medicine; - interaction with different laboratory technologies in the context of cellular and Molecular Biology; - Case based learning using the knowledge acquired.

Tutorial guidance: 10 hrs – includes availability for guidance to understand the biological mechanisms, resolution of problem cases, discussion of scientific articles and themes.

Learning Outcomes

Define and identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for homeostasis of the cell and the organism and its change in disease and the molecular tecnologies used for diagnosis.

Identify, analyse and describe the biological and molecular processes responsible for the development, communication and control of cellular activity and division. 

Apply the knowledge gained in solving problems of clinical nature, stimulating their curiosity by biomedical research. Propose and support a research-based strategy to a patient or family member carrier of the disease using cellular and molecular biology technologies previously learned. 

Demonstrate appropriate capabilities of synthesis and communication. 

Demonstrate competencies essential to teamwork and knowledge of ethical and deontological notions underlying the relationship with colleagues, other professionals and patients.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Impact of technological advances of recombinant DNA on the Biomedical Sciences: DNA, RNA probes; Molecular hybridization. RFLPs, VNTRs, STRs, cloning Vectors. Chromosome walking and positional cloning. Polymerase chain reaction, Sequencing. Analyse the applicability in the diagnosis.

Cell nucleus: global structure of chromosomes and chromosome domains. Epigenetic mechanisms and genetic recombination.

Mechanisms of the cell cycle, meiosis and fertilization. General strategy and control of the cell cycle and mechanics of cell division. Biological significance of mitosis and meiosis.

Analysis of spermatogenesis, oogenesis and fertilization.

Pathology of the nucleus: numerical and morphological changes on the number and structure of chromosomes, their implications in cellular division.

Impact of nuclear division abnormalities on the relation genotype/phenotype: cytogenetics in the diagnosis.

Head Lecturer(s)

Isabel Maria Marques Carreira

Assessment Methods

Continuous Assessment
Other: 5.0%
Synthesis work: 10.0%
Mini Tests: 15.0%
Exam: 70.0%

Bibliography

- Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts K, Walter P. Molecular Biology of the Cell (2010) 5th Edition (Versão original).

- Lodish et al (2008), Molecular Cell Biology, 6th edition.

- Cooper G. (2004), The Cell: a molecular approach, 3nd edition.