Cellular Interactions and Metabolism
Full course description
This cellular biology course focuses primarily on the important properties of individual cells such as cellular respiration and metabolism as well as on intercellular interactions and intracellular signalling. Cellular structural and functional knowledge obtained from the course Genes, Proteins and Evolution will be integrated. Students will first review the basic principles of chemistry, biochemical reactions and the role of enzymes herein, and will further explore how cells acquire, store and use energy to sustain cellular metabolic processes by using their pre-knowledge on cellular functioning. In addition, systemic homeostasis and how this is orchestrated by the brain is discussed. Next, students are introduced into the concepts of intracellular signalling and intercellular communication pathways, building upon their pre-knowledge on cellular structures. The important functions of specific molecules and proteins for specific cognitive capacities (such as the role of specific second messengers and proteins in visual perception, or in learning and memory) will be highlighted thereby demonstrating the important biological aspects of Brain Science, and providing links to the parallel course ‘Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience’ in this period. This course, furthermore, entails hands-on lab exercises on Proteins & Enzymes, Immunocytochemistry and Nucleic Acids, part of which extend into Period 3. The present course builds upon the course Genes, Proteins and Evolution regarding cellular structures and functioning. In addition, concepts of brain functioning are introduced which are fundamental for most other parts of the curriculum. Specifically, it links to the course Brain Cells in period 4, which is focussed on action potentials, chemical neurotransmission and energy supply to neurons. Further, knowledge on cellular signalling cascades is required to understand how extra- and/or intracellular alterations can lead to disturbed brain processes related to perception, learning and memory, covered in follow-up courses in the curriculum.
The final assessment for this course is a numerical grade between 0,0 and 10,0.
Course objectives
- Understand and recall basic chemical principles;
- Identify and explain the properties of the major biomolecules;
- Describe the structure and constituents of the cell membrane and how those relates to its specific properties;
- Explain the function and kinetics of enzymes, and how their activity is regulated;
- Understand the mechanisms of intra- and intercellular signalling, in particular the signalling modalities of neurotransmitter receptors;
- Explain how energy is produced in the cell, what the role of mitochondria is herein;
- Understand and explain how cellular energy metabolism is linked to system level energy homeostasis via the neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system;
- Perform protein assays and PCR, understand and solve problems, and report honestly about observations and possible problems with procedures or observations resulting from these procedures;
- Work together in a small group to operate equipment and perform procedures in a biochemical laboratory, while positively receiving the feedback from the supervisor (and from peers).
- Reflect on strengths and weaknesses based on your practical experience in the biochemical lab, and to identify interests and learning goals.