Cell and molecular biology I
Associate Professor R A Bywater (Physiology)
Objectives On the completion of this subject students should have an understanding of the fundamental principles that guide cellular organisation and function in a typical human (eukaryotic) cell. They will have developed an understanding of the importance of micro-organisms in biology and understand how the structure of a typical prokaryotic cell differs from a eukaryotic cell. The student will have an understanding of the principles of membrane transport and the electrical properties of the plasma membrane.
Synopsis Introduction to the techniques used in cellular biology research and description of the components of and the extracellular environment of mammalian cells and how cells are formed into tissues. Introduction to the basis of classification of micro-organisms and its importance in the diagnosis of infectious disease. The replication of prokaryotic cells, the mechanisms of antibiotic drug resistance and the nature of viruses and how they replicate. The distribution of body water and electrolytes including the concepts of osmolarity and tonicity. The structure of the plasma membrane and how this relates to the transport of substances across it. The passive and active electrical properties of a typical mammalian cell including the generation of the resting membrane potential and the action potential in a nerve cell.
Assessment Examination (2 hrs): 100%
Recommended texts
Chapman J B Basic electrophysiology of cells 2nd or 3rd edn, Department of Physiology, Monash U, 1988, 1989
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