Concepts and molecular mechanisms underlying the biochemistry of the cell, providing advanced insights into structure, function and regulation of individual cell components. Particular emphasis will be put on the spatial and temporal integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into global cellular processes such as intracellular transport, cell division & growth, and cell migration.
Learning objective
The full-year course (551-0319-00 & 551-0320-00) focuses on the molecular mechanisms and concepts underlying the biochemistry of cellular physiology, investigating how these processes are integrated to carry out highly coordinated cellular functions. The molecular characterisation of complex cellular functions requires a combination of approaches such as biochemistry, but also cell biology and genetics. This course is therefore the occasion to discuss these techniques and their integration in modern cellular biochemistry. The students will be able to describe the structural and functional details of individual cell components, and the spatial and temporal regulation of their interactions. In particular, they will learn to explain the integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into complex and highly dynamic cellular processes such as intracellular transport, cytoskeletal rearrangements, cell motility, cell division and cell growth. In addition, they will be able to illustrate the relevance of particular signaling pathways for cellular pathologies such as cancer.
Content
Structural and functional details of individual cell components, regulation of their interactions, and various aspects of the regulation and compartmentalisation of biochemical processes. Topics include: biophysical and electrical properties of membranes; viral membranes; structural and functional insights into intracellular transport and targeting; vesicular trafficking and phagocytosis; post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.
Lecture notes
Scripts and additional material will be provided during the semester. Please contact Dr. Alicia Smith for assistance with the learning materials. (alicia.smith@bc.biol.ethz.ch)
Literature
Recommended supplementary literature (review articles and selected primary literature) will be provided during the course.
Prerequisites / Notice
To attend this course the students must have a solid basic knowledge in chemistry, biochemistry and general biology. The course will be taught in English.
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a two-semester course together with 551-0320-00L Cellular Biochemistry (Part II)
(next semester)
For programme regulations
Bachelor's Degree Programme in Biology 2013; Version 10.03.2020 Bachelor's Degree Programme in Biology 2020; Version 07.11.2024 Master's Degree Programme in Biology 2017; Version 13.10.2022
ECTS credits
6 credits
Performance assessment as a semester course
(other programmes)
Performance assessment as a two-semester course together with 551-0320-00L Cellular Biochemistry (Part II)
(next semester)
