Molecular and Cell Biology
Study Course Implementer
Riga, Dzirciema Street 16, bmk@rsu.lv, +371 67061584
About Study Course
Objective
Preliminary Knowledge
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Upon completion of the study course, students will be able to explain the central dogma of molecular biology and its role in providing functions of eukaryotes and prokaryote cells. They will be familiar with the operational principles of the information realisation system, its regulation and functional role in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Able to describe the main molecular mechanisms for ensuring normal cell functions as well as to justify the consequences of cellular disorders.
Skills
1.On completion of the study course, students will be able to use a light microscope, to plan and carry out experiments to monitor cell functions. Students will have acquired skills in molecular biology techniques – nucleic acid isolation and polymerase chain reaction, and they will be able to interpret the results obtained. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, students will be able to collect the most relevant information and correctly apply the concepts of molecular biology.
Competences
1.Students will be able to combine theoretical knowledge and skills and integrate them into learning of other preclinical and clinical courses. Students will be able to attribute cellular disorders to the pathology of the body as a whole. They will understand the role of structural and functional disorders of the genome in the aetiology of diseases.
Assessment
Individual work
Examination
Study Course Theme Plan
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Introduction to molecular biology. The central dogma of molecular biology. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Storage of information in the cell. Nucleic acids, their chemical composition, structure and functions. DNA replication.
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Nucleus and mitochondria, their structure and functions. Chromosomes, chromatin structure and types.
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Eukaryotic and prokaryotic genome – gene structure, organisation and functions. Genetic code.
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Transfer of genetic information in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell – transcription, translation. Processing of proteins. Structure and functions of proteins.
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Human genome variation. Genetic variants and mutational process, its impact on human pathology.
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Molecular mechanisms of gene expression – epigenetic and epigenomic regulation.
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Cytoskeleton, its structure and functions. Cell division of eukaryotic cell – mitosis and meiosis. Cell division in prokaryotes. Recombination of genetic material.
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The cell cycle, regulation mechanisms. DNA reparation mechanisms. Molecular mechanisms of cell aging and cell death.
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Molecular mechanisms of gametogenesis and fertilisation, impact on development of human pathology.
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Molecular mechanisms of cell functions. Intracellular transport. Transmembrane transport of small molecules, ions and macromolecules. Endomembrane system, its structure and functions.
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Molecular mechanisms of cell functions – cell communication. Intracellular and extracellular signal transductions. Extracellular matrix, its structure and functions.
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Molecular biology in vitro methods in medicine.
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Practical class No. 1. The nucleus and DNA of eukaryotes. DNA replication.
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Practical class No. 2. DNA replication in vitro - polymerase chain reaction.
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Practical class No. 3. Human metaphase chromosomes in microscope slides. Karyotype.
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Practical class No. 4. Tasks of molecular biology.
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Practical class No. 5. Epigenetics vs. epigenomics. Tasks in epigenetics.
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Colloquium I. Testing knowledge of topics covered during lectures No. 1 – 6, and practical classes No. 1 – 5.
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Practical class No. 6. Identification of stages in karyokinesis (microscopy slides).
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Practical class No.7. Analysis of stages in gametogenesis, mature sex cells (microscopy slides).
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Practical class No. 8. Transport of solutes in the eukaryotic cell.
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Practical class No. 9. Cells signalling systems. Analysis of different signalling pathways.
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Practical class No. 10. Molecular biology in vitro methods in medicine – case studies.
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Colloquium II. Testing knowledge of topics covered during lectures No. 7 – 12 and practical classes No. 6 -10.
Bibliography
Required Reading
Krūmiņa A., Baumanis V. Eikariotu šūnu bioloģija. Rīga, RSU, 2015. (latviešu plūsmas studijām /for studies in Latvian)
Additional Reading
Cooper G.M., Hausman R.E.- The cell. A Molecular approach. 8th ed., Oxford University press, 2019
Iwasas J. and Marshall W. - Karp`s Cell Biology, John Wiley & Sons; 8th Edition, Global edition, 2018.
Bruce A., et al.- Molecular biology of the cell 6th edition or later. New York, NY: Garland Science, Taylor and Francis Group, 2015.
Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 9th edition. New York: W. H. Freeman; 2021.