Cell Biology

1. Introduction to Cell Biology

Overview of the course and its relevance to the study of life

The basic components of a cell: membrane, cytoplasm, organelles, and nucleus

The cell theory and the history of its development

2. The Cell Membrane

Composition, structure, and function of the cell membrane

Membrane transport: diffusion, osmosis, facilitated transport, and active transport

Membrane potential and its role in cellular communication

3. Cellular Metabolism

Overview of metabolic pathways and the role of enzymes

ATP and energy metabolism

Glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain

4. DNA and RNA

Structure and function of DNA and RNA

DNA replication and repair

Transcription and translation

5. Cell Cycle and Mitosis

Overview of the cell cycle and its phases

Mitosis: stages and regulation

Cancer and the cell cycle

6. Cell Signaling

Communication between cells: chemical and electrical signals

Signal transduction pathways and their regulation

Receptor-mediated signaling and second messengers

7. Cytoskeleton and Cell Motility

Structure and function of the cytoskeleton

Cell movement: muscle contraction, cell crawling, and cilia and flagella

Cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix

8. Cell Differentiation and Development

Stem cells and their properties

Cell differentiation: mechanisms and factors

Organogenesis and tissue regeneration

9. Microbes and Cell Biology

Viruses: structure and life cycle

Bacteria and Archaea: structure, growth, and metabolism

Cell biology of fungi and protists

10. Techniques in Cell Biology

Microscopy: light microscopy, electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy

Cell culture and genetic engineering techniques

Molecular biology techniques for studying cells