electiveHQ

Cells are the basic functional units of eukaryotic organisms, and a deeper knowledge of their structure and organisation is an essential aspect of our wider understanding of health and disease. Drawing on information gained in earlier modules, this module integrates concepts in molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics to provide an understanding of processes and functions carried out in eukaryotic cells. Topics covered include membranes and compartmentalisation; roles of the nucleus, and transport between the cytoplasm and nucleus; functions and properties of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, trans-Golgi network, endosomes, lysosomes, peroxisomes, mitochondria and primary cilia; roles played by cytoskeleton elements in transport and structure; specialisation of the cytoskeleton; and functions of the plasma membrane. Molecular detail of events such as cell division, programmed cell death, secretion, endocytosis, protein translocation, protein targeting, protein degradation, signalling, and regulation through the use of GTPases will also be given. Strong emphasis will also be paid to approaches using living cells; recent high-throughput post-genome cell biology methods; and how this knowledge is being utilised to understand disease.