Cellular Phisiology

Year
0
Academic year
2022-2023
Code
01000883
Subject Area
Área Científica do Menor
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

Cellular Biology; Chemistry; Biochemistry; English.

Teaching Methods

The lectures are presented in the form of power points and other suitable means (eg, use of relevant films).

Practical protocols are previously made available. Additionally, students are asked to design  experiments and alternative protocols. The theoretical-practical classes will focus on the rosolution of relevant problems (e.g., transport bioenergetics), on visiting relevant web pages and discussion of scientific papers.

Students will be individually asked to write about an updated and relevant theme.

Learning Outcomes

Endow students with essential biological knowledge in an integrative perspective in order to understand the mechanisms of control of normal cell functioning and common pathologies. Understanding the functional role of biological membranes. Identify the general mechanisms of transport across biological membranes. Understand the key role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in normal physiology and disease. Describe the different ways in which cells communicate. Understanding the Cellular Physiology is a science that applies synthesizing physical and chemical biology methods aimed at analyzing the functions of living organisms. Acquire skills for analysis and understanding of specific issues. Develop the ability to apply the theoretical information in the observation of the mechanisms involved in physiological processes, and relate them to conclude the causes and consequences of the mechanisms that allow the body to maintain normal functions.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

BIOLOGICAL MEMBRANES: Lipid "rafts"; hydrophobic effect; Detergents-applications; Liposomes-application in biomedicine. MEMBRANAR TRANSPORT: Types; Particion coefficients; Ion channels; Aquaporins; Nernst Expression; Ionophores; membranar ATPases; Bioenergetics of membrane transport; Internalization of macromolecules (receptor-mediated endocitode); Procariot membrane transport systems. METABOLISM AND TOXICITY OF OXYGEN: cellular sources of ROS; antioxidants defenses; membranar lipoperoxidation. LIPOPROTEINS: Classes and functions; Atherosclerosis and oxidative stress. CELL-TO-CELL SIGNALING: Types and stages of cell signaling; Cellular messengers; Cellular receptors; Signal amplification; Protein kinases; Protein "switch" GTPases; Cell signaling by NO / cGMP; Mechanism of vision. PRACTICAL PROGRAM: Activity of the Na+-K+ ATPase–effect of xenobiotics; Bioenergetics of membrane transport Membrane; Membrane permeability to anions; Evaluation of membrane electric potentials.

Head Lecturer(s)

João Miguel Peça Lima Novo Silvestre

Assessment Methods

Assessement
Synthesis work: 10.0%
Mini Tests: 20.0%
Midterm exam: 70.0%

Bibliography

- Voet, J. G. Voet (2010) Biochemistry (4ª Ed.), John Wiley & Sons.

- Lodish H., Baltimore D., Berk A., Zipursky S.L., Matsudaira P., and Darnell J. (2000) Molecular Cell Biology (4ª Ed.), Freeman W.H. and Company (USA).

- Houslay M.D. & Stanley K.K., Dynamics of Biological Membranes – Influence on synthesis, structure and function (1982) John Wiley & Sons Cap. 7.

- Nelson, D.L. and Cox, M.M. (2012) Lehninger’s Principles of Biochemistry (5ª Ed.) Freeman, New York.

- Karp, G. (2013) Cell and Molecular Biology (7ª Ed.) John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NewYork.

- Garrett R.H. and Grisham C.M. (2012) Biochemistry (5ª Ed.) Thomson Learning, Inc.

- Campbell, N.A., Lisa A., Urry and Cain L.M. (2008) Biology (8ª Ed.), Pearson Benjamin Cummings.