BSC1330 Course Material PDF

# About BSC1330 Course Material ## What is Cell Biology? The fundamentals of cell biology: - Chemical components and reactions that govern: - Cell structure - Nutrient/energy assimilation - Macromolecular assemblies and interactions that enable cells to perform such life-supporting tasks...

# About BSC1330 Course Material ## What is Cell Biology? The fundamentals of cell biology: - Chemical components and reactions that govern: - Cell structure - Nutrient/energy assimilation - Macromolecular assemblies and interactions that enable cells to perform such life-supporting tasks as: - Storage, processing, and propagation of genetic information - Molecular transport - Communication with the external environment # More than 10 million species ## Common Threads - Growth and reproduction - Communication with the environment - Acquisition and assimilation of energy - Homeostasis ## Cell Theory: - Cells are the functional units of life - All living organisms are composed of Cells # Why Study Cells? All diseases are disturbances at the cellular level. - Rudolph Virchow, 1858 ## Over 200 different types of cells in the human body! Cellular processes form the molecular basis of human health and disease. # 8 Common Features of All Cells 1. Cells are highly complex and organized. 2. Cells possess a genetic program. 3. Cells are capable of producing more of themselves. 4. Cells are biochemical factories that constantly acquire and utilize energy. 5. Cells engage in mechanical activities. 6. Cells are able to respond to stimuli. 7. Cells are capable of self-regulation. 8. Evolution first happens at the level of molecules and cells. # "The whole of biology is a counterpoint between the two themes: astonishing variety in individual particulars; astonishing constancy in fundamental mechanisms." - Chapter 1: Molecular Biology of the Cell, Fifth Edition # Model eukaryotes - "Model organisms" have been chosen in which: - The genome has been sequenced - Site-directed and tissue-specific mutagenesis is possible - Expression of multiple genes can be tracked across many cells simultaneously - The developmental sequence is known - Yeast (S. cerevisiae, S. pombe) - a minimal eukaryote - Arabidopsis thaliana (Common Thale Cress) - C. elegans - a nematode worm - Drosophila melanogaster - the fruitfly - Mouse (Mus musculus) The document includes an image of a plant, a nematode worm, and a fruitfly.