BIOMG 4320

Survey of Cell Biology

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

Survey of a wide array of topics focusing on the general properties of eukaryotic cells. Topics include methods used for studying cells, the structure and function of the major cellular organelles, and analyses of cellular processes such as mitosis, endocytosis, cell motility, secretion, cell-to-cell communication, gene expression, and oncogenesis. Some of the material is covered in greater depth in BIOMG 4370, BIOMG 4380, BIOMG 6360, and BIOMG 6390.

When Offered Spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: at least one of the following courses: BIOMG 3300, BIOMG 3330, BIOMG 3350, BIOMG 3310 and previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOMG 3320, or equivalent.

Distribution Category (BIO-AS) (OPHLS-AG)

Comments Recommended prerequisite: BIOMG 2800 and BIOMG 2801. Undergraduate students must enroll in this course for letter grade; graduate students may enroll either for letter grade or S-U.

• Describe the molecular function and make-up of the major organelles and structures in a eukaryotic cell, including the nucleus, the cytoskeleton, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, trafficking vesicles, lysozymes, mitochondria, membranes, and chromatin.
• Explain the dynamic processes that underlie vesicular trafficking, endocytosis, the expression of genes, and inter- and intra-molecular signaling; Identify key molecular players in each process.
• Name the methods used to study the above structures and processes, including molecular biology and molecular genetics, transfection of living cells, fluorescence and electron microscopy, subcellular fractionation, and detection of specific proteins using antibodies and green fluorescent protein fusions; Explain the principle of each method; Interpret results of experiments utilizing these methods.
• Explain the experimental underpinnings of the current models for processes common to all eukaryotic cells.

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