| Topic |
Sub-topic |
1. The cellular structure of the organisms. The cell theory.
|
Size, form and cellular function.
Cell classification.
Cell Theory.
Procaryotic cell and eukaryotic cell. |
| 2. Biomembranes and cellular transport systems. |
Cell membrane: functions, biochemical composition, physicochemical properties.
Synthesis of the cellular membrane.
Transport system through the biological membranes: pumps, protein transporters, and channels. |
| 3. The cell nucleus and the chromosomes. The cell organelles. |
Cell nucleus: structure, composition and functions.
Structure and functions of the nucleus.
Structures and functions of the chromatin and chromosomes.
Structure, composition, and functions of: extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton and centrioles, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, endosomes and lysosomes, mitochondria, peroxisomes, and chloroplasts. |
| 4. Cellular division and cellular cycle. |
Definition and characteristics of mitosis.
Differences between somatic and germinal cells.
Phases of the cellular cycle.
Biological meaning of the mitosis.
Concept of apoptosis, cellular proliferation and cancer.
Concept and differences between asexual and sexual reproduction.
Definition and characteristics of meiosis.
Phases of the meiosis.
Origin of the genetic variability produced in the meiosis.
Differences between mitosis and meiosis.
|
| 5. General design of the metabolism: catabolism and anabolism. |
Concepts of enzyme, energetic metabolism, metabolic route, catabolism, anabolism.
Functional blocks of metabolism and their coupling: catabolic block, anabolic block, growth and differentiation block.
The ATP equivalent.
Extraction of chemical energy from organic compounds: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. |
| 6. Photosynthesis. |
Nature of the light.
Photosynthetic pigments.
Stages of photosynthesis: light stage and dark stage (Calvin cycle).
The problem of the photorespiration: C4 plants and CAM plants. |
| 7. DNA: structure, function and techniques of recombinant DNA. |
Composition and structure of the DNA.
Function of the DNA.
Replication of the DNA.
Initiation to techniques of recombinant DNA.
|
| 8. RNA and expression of the genetic message. |
Composition and structure of the RNA.
Main types of RNA: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
Other types of cell RNA and their functions.
Transcription and translation processes.
The language of the genic information.
|
| 9. Mutation and evolution. |
Genetic mutations: concept and types. Molecular consequences of genetic mutations.
Structural chromosomal mutations: deletion, duplication, inversion, and translocation.
Numerical chromosomal mutations: haploidy, polyploidy, and aneuploidy.
Origin and consequences of mutations.
Relation of mutations with diseases such as cancer.
Evolutionary theories.
Arguments that support evolution. |
| 10. The immune system. |
Concept of the immune system.
Components of the immune system.
Mechanism of the innate defense of the immune system.
Antibodies and interferons.
Types of immune response.
Alterations of the immune system.
Vaccines and their importance. |
