| Topic |
Sub-topic |
| CELL BIOLOGY |
(*) |
| Introduction |
Evolution of the cell concept
Cell theory
General organization of eukaryotic cells
Differences and similarities between animal and plant cells. |
| Cell membrane and extracellular matrix |
Structure, molecular composition and functions
Membrane transport
Intercellular junctions. |
| Origin of membranes and intracellular trafficking |
Endoplasmatic reticulum and Golgi complex
Vesicular trafficking. |
| Lysosomal system, peroxisomes and vacuoles |
Cell digestion
Peroxisomes and glyoxysomes
Vacuoles: types, structure and functions. |
| Organelles involved in energy production |
Mitochondrial structure and function
Chloroplast structure and function
Other plastids |
| The Cytosol |
Cytoplasmic inclusions
The Cytoskeleton: actin filaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments |
| The nucleus |
Nuclear membrane.
Dynamic and structure of chromatin and chromosomes.
The nucleolus. |
| DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY |
(*) |
| Cell cycle |
Control of the cell cycle. |
| Cell division |
Mitosis. Meiosis. Cell death: apoptosis and necrosis. |
| Gametogenesis and fertilization |
Oogenesis and spermatogenesis.
Fertilization. |
| Stages of the embryonic development |
Early development. Determination and cell differentiation. |
| LAB SESSIONS |
(*) |
| Session 1. Cell types and extracellular matrix |
Observation of cell types and extracellular matrix at light microscopy. |
| Session 2. Organelles I |
Identification of cell organelles at light microscopy |
| Session 3. Organelles II |
Identification of cell organelles in electron microscopy images. |
| Session 4. Mitosis. |
Observation and quantification of mitotic phases in animal and plant tissue |
| Session 5. Gonads. |
Observation of spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Types of gonads. |
| Session 6. Fertilization and early development. |
Fertilization and observation of early development in invertebrates and vertebrates. |
