Cytology and Histology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
This course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge of fundamental characteristics of living organisms (prokaryotes and eukaryotes) and, specifically, of animal cell biology relative to mammals, with particular reference to humans.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will gain:
- specific knowledge of the main biological structures, such as biological (macro)molecules, animal cells and tissues;
- understanding of their functions and main interactions;
- basic understanding of the structure and main characteristics of viruses and bacteria.
- specific knowledge of the main biological structures, such as biological (macro)molecules, animal cells and tissues;
- understanding of their functions and main interactions;
- basic understanding of the structure and main characteristics of viruses and bacteria.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
A - L
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
CYTOLOGY
General characteristics of living beings. Cell theory.
Chemical bases of life: atoms, ions, elements, molecules, polymer macromolecules; chemical bond and their biological role; chemical composition of living substance: water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. DNA replication, transcription and translation of genetic information.
Autotrophy, heterotrophy. Transformations of matter and energy demand: catabolism, anabolism, metabolism. How cells derive energy from food: metabolic pathways and chemical energy.
Basic techniques for morphological analysis of cells and tissues; tools and sample preparation for microscopic and submicroscopic analysis.
Organizational levels of living substance. Viruses and subviral agents. Prokaryotes ed eukaryotes. Unicellular and multicellular organisms.
Eukaryotic animal cell. Cell membranes: chemical composition and structure; permeability and transport; plasma membrane specializations (microvilli, cilia, glycocalyx, junctions).
Endomembrane system: endoplasmic reticulum; the Golgi apparatus; lysosomes; exocytosis, endocytosis, vesicular trafficking; mitochondria; peroxisomes; the nucleus: nuclear envelope, nucleoskeleton, chromatin, chromosomes; nucleolus, structure and biogenesis of ribosomes; ribosomes and protein synthesis.
Cytoskeleton and cell motility.
The eukaryotic cell cycle. Eukaryotic cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Gametogenesis. Fertilization and embryonic development (introduction).
HISTOLOGY
Epithelial tissues: covering/lining epithelia and glandular epithelia.
Connective tissues: connective tissue proper; specialised connective tissue: adipose tissue; cartilage; bone tissue; blood; lymphoid tissue.
Muscle tissue: skeletal muscle tissue, cardiac muscle tissue, smooth muscle tissue; muscle contraction.
Nervous tissue; synapses; glia.
General characteristics of living beings. Cell theory.
Chemical bases of life: atoms, ions, elements, molecules, polymer macromolecules; chemical bond and their biological role; chemical composition of living substance: water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. DNA replication, transcription and translation of genetic information.
Autotrophy, heterotrophy. Transformations of matter and energy demand: catabolism, anabolism, metabolism. How cells derive energy from food: metabolic pathways and chemical energy.
Basic techniques for morphological analysis of cells and tissues; tools and sample preparation for microscopic and submicroscopic analysis.
Organizational levels of living substance. Viruses and subviral agents. Prokaryotes ed eukaryotes. Unicellular and multicellular organisms.
Eukaryotic animal cell. Cell membranes: chemical composition and structure; permeability and transport; plasma membrane specializations (microvilli, cilia, glycocalyx, junctions).
Endomembrane system: endoplasmic reticulum; the Golgi apparatus; lysosomes; exocytosis, endocytosis, vesicular trafficking; mitochondria; peroxisomes; the nucleus: nuclear envelope, nucleoskeleton, chromatin, chromosomes; nucleolus, structure and biogenesis of ribosomes; ribosomes and protein synthesis.
Cytoskeleton and cell motility.
The eukaryotic cell cycle. Eukaryotic cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Gametogenesis. Fertilization and embryonic development (introduction).
HISTOLOGY
Epithelial tissues: covering/lining epithelia and glandular epithelia.
Connective tissues: connective tissue proper; specialised connective tissue: adipose tissue; cartilage; bone tissue; blood; lymphoid tissue.
Muscle tissue: skeletal muscle tissue, cardiac muscle tissue, smooth muscle tissue; muscle contraction.
Nervous tissue; synapses; glia.
Prerequisites for admission
Being a teaching course of the first year, first semester, there are no specific prerequisites other than those required for access to the course of
degree.
degree.
Teaching methods
Traditional: frontal lessons supported by projected material.
Teaching Resources
Dalle Donne I. et al., "Citologia e Istologia", Edizioni EdiSES, 2024 o 2019.
Dalle Donne I. et al., "Istologia ed elementi di anatomia microscopica", Edizioni EdiSES, 2019.
Dalle Donne I., Gagliano N., et al., "Istologia ed elementi di anatomia microscopica". Edizioni EdiSES, 2010.
Becker, Kleinsmith, Hardin, Bertoni, "Il mondo della cellula". Pearson, X ed., 2022.
Alberts et al., "L'essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula". Zanichelli, V ediz. italiana, 2020.
Dalle Donne I. et al., "Istologia ed elementi di anatomia microscopica", Edizioni EdiSES, 2019.
Dalle Donne I., Gagliano N., et al., "Istologia ed elementi di anatomia microscopica". Edizioni EdiSES, 2010.
Becker, Kleinsmith, Hardin, Bertoni, "Il mondo della cellula". Pearson, X ed., 2022.
Alberts et al., "L'essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula". Zanichelli, V ediz. italiana, 2020.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The student preparation check will consist of a written test that involves the recognition of animal tissues, cells and cellular structures (light and electronic microscopy); each exam test is composed of 15 light and electronic microscopy images (time available: 30 minutes); passing the written examination (with the minimum rating of 18/30) is required to access the oral examination, which will cover all the program carried during the course. The outcome of the written test and that of the oral test will contribute to the final assessment for about 40% and 60%, respectively.
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY - University credits: 9
Practicals: 12 hours
Lessons: 66 hours
Lessons: 66 hours
Professor:
Dalle Donne Isabella
Shifts:
Professor:
Dalle Donne Isabella
Turno 1
Professor:
Dalle Donne IsabellaTurno 2
Professor:
Dalle Donne IsabellaTurno 3
Professor:
Dalle Donne IsabellaM - Z
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY - University credits: 9
Practicals: 12 hours
Lessons: 66 hours
Lessons: 66 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
upon appointment by e-mail
Dept. of BioSciences, B tower, 6th floor