Advanced Cell Biology

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Cells are the basic unit of life. Recent research has shown that mechanisms for regulation of cell functions are more complex than previously thought. In eukaryotic cells, moving molecules in and out of the nucleus, regulation of protein degradation, and regulation of organelle size and structure are but a few examples that illustrate this complexity. In this class, we will spend a portion of the time becoming familiar with the background and broad issues, and a portion of the time reading papers from the primary literature. Students will be responsible for several presentations throughout the semester as well as two short papers on topics of interest and a final exam that will involve scientific writing. For Fall 2013, we will examine mechanisms responsible for birth and death of organelles found in eukaryotic cells.