Cell Biology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Aim of the course is to provide a guidance along the progress of knowledge about the properties of living organisms. It is thus possible to realize that thanks the methodologies developed to acquire new information and knowledge, the cell, although continuously remodeled during evolution, has maintained memory of mechanisms appeared three billion years ago as well as the developmental mechanisms are rather similar among animals, included the man.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge about the hypotheses of how the life and consequently the cell is appeared, of how the cell growths, develops, differentiates, reproduces and dies, and of how the animals develop starting from the fertilized egg. The cell cycle and the development of an organism: acquisitions about the control mechanisms - Skills in distinguishing which, as a living organism, is either really natural, or manipulated by man or developed in laboratory.
Lesson period: Second 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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course aims to address the main current topics in the field of cell biology and will be structured as follows:
- introduction to animal and plant models in the study of cell biology: stem cells and characteristics of different animal cell types, from epithelium to neuron. In the plant field, the processes of cell differentiation and distension from meristematic cells will be addressed.
- Cellular basis of morphogenesis in animal and plant model cells. Isodiametric and polarised growth: role of secretion and endocytosis in maintaining the protein composition of the plasma membrane.
- Organisation and function of the cytoskeleton in animal and plant models. Specialisation of cytoskeletal filaments with special attention to the microtubular system. Role of the cytoskeleton in the intracellular transport of molecules and organelles.
- Description and discussion of the main experimental approaches used.
In the last part of the course, students will have to prepare short seminars that will allow them to explore the topics covered in the course in greater depth.
- introduction to animal and plant models in the study of cell biology: stem cells and characteristics of different animal cell types, from epithelium to neuron. In the plant field, the processes of cell differentiation and distension from meristematic cells will be addressed.
- Cellular basis of morphogenesis in animal and plant model cells. Isodiametric and polarised growth: role of secretion and endocytosis in maintaining the protein composition of the plasma membrane.
- Organisation and function of the cytoskeleton in animal and plant models. Specialisation of cytoskeletal filaments with special attention to the microtubular system. Role of the cytoskeleton in the intracellular transport of molecules and organelles.
- Description and discussion of the main experimental approaches used.
In the last part of the course, students will have to prepare short seminars that will allow them to explore the topics covered in the course in greater depth.
Prerequisites for admission
Teaching requires a good basic knowledge of animal and plant cytology acquired in General Biology and Botany courses.
Teaching methods
The teaching is organised in lectures and will include some seminars in English. In addition, in the last part of the course, each student will be required to prepare a power point presentation on topics covered during the lectures. Students will then have to present their work to the class and lecturers. The students' ability to rework the content in a personal manner and to present the proposed topics in a clear and engaging manner will be assessed.
Teaching Resources
Original articles published in international journals; course slides will be made available on the Ariel finger.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students will have to prepare and expound a lecture for high school students on one of the topics covered during the lectures.
The completeness of the content as well as the clarity of the exposition and the ability to engage the students will be assessed.
The completeness of the content as well as the clarity of the exposition and the ability to engage the students will be assessed.
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY - University credits: 3
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY - University credits: 1
BIO/16 - HUMAN ANATOMY - University credits: 2
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY - University credits: 1
BIO/16 - HUMAN ANATOMY - University credits: 2
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Cappelletti Graziella, Moscatelli Alessandra
Shifts:
Professor(s)