Cell Biology Lecture 1

Introduction to Cell Biology

  • Instructor: Dr. Sara Namvar

  • University of Salford, Manchester

  • Contact: s.namvar@Salford.ac.uk

Course Outline

  • Trimester 1 Lectures Include:

    • Introduction to cell biology

    • The plasma membrane

    • Nuclear structure

    • The endoplasmic reticulum

    • Structure and functions of the Golgi Complex/Apparatus

    • Cytoskeleton

    • Cell interactions and adhesion

    • Cell Junctions and Extracellular Matrix

    • Cell cycle

    • Cell division

    • Cancer Cell Biology 1

    • Cancer Cell Biology 2

Resources and Communication

  • Blackboard Use:

    • Check the Cell Biology module site regularly for materials and announcements.

    • Assessment via multiple-choice questions and presentations.

  • Suggested Reading:

    • Life - e-book

    • Sadava et al. (2016), "Life: The Science of Biology" (11th Edition)

    • Cooper & Hausman (2016), "The Cell: A Molecular Approach" (7th Edition)

    • Plopper (2016), "Principles of Cell Biology" (2nd Edition)

    • Elliott & Elliott (2009), "Biochemistry and Molecular Biology" (4th Edition)

Learning Tools

  • BioRender: Tool for creating biological illustrations.

  • Practice Tests:

    • Available online through Blackboard; participation is mandatory but scores do not affect module marks.

Lecture Highlights

  • Overview of cells, varying cell types, and organelles.

What is (Cell) Biology?

  • Cytology: Study of cell structure.

  • Biochemistry: Study of cell and organelle function.

  • Genetics: Study of cell regulation and division.

  • Molecular Cell Biology encompasses all definitions.

Diversity in Cell Types

  • Living organisms comprise multiple cell types, differing in shape and function.

Historical Foundations

  • Ancient medicine roots: Ancient Greece, Rome, and the Muslim world.

Founding Figures in Cell Biology

Robert Hooke (1665)

  • Published "Micrographia"; coined the term "Cells."

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1674)

  • Dutch scientist; enhanced microscope technology; first to describe various microorganisms.

Microscopy Techniques

Light Microscopy

  • Magnification of up to 1000X; requires specimen preparation.

Fluorescent Microscopy

  • Utilizes fluorophores; dyes emit fluorescence at higher wavelengths.

Electron Microscopy (EM)

  • Types: Scanning EM (SEM) & Transmission EM (TEM).

  • Provides high-resolution images, revealing fine details.

Introduction to Cell Theory

Original Cell Theory (Mid-1800s)

  • All organisms consist of one or more cells.

  • The cell is the basic unit of life.

  • All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Modern Cell Theory Additions

  • Cells contain hereditary information (DNA).

  • All cells share chemical composition and metabolic activities.

  • Basic functions occur within cells.

  • Cellular activity depends on organelles.

Classification of Life

Three Domains of Life

  • Prokaryotes: Simple, unicellular organisms (bacteria, archaea).

  • Eukaryotes: Complex cells forming multicellular organisms (plants, animals, fungi).

Cell Size and Measurement

  • Common measurements: micrometers (µm) and nanometers (nm).

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic Cells

  • No membrane-bound organelles; DNA located in nucleoid.

Eukaryotic Cells

  • Membrane-bound nucleus; cytoskeleton; complex organelles.

Cell Responses

  • Adaptation and response to environmental changes.

    • Internal regulation and communication with surroundings.

Eukaryotic Cell Overview

Compartmentalization

  • Internal membranes create distinct organelles, regulating conditions and activities within the cell.

Key Organelles Include:

  • Nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and peroxisome.

Specific Organellar Functions

Plasma Membrane

  • Semi-permeable barrier for substance regulation.

Nucleus

  • Houses DNA as chromatin; site of ribosome assembly.

Mitochondria

  • Energy production; double-membrane with ATP generation.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER & SER)

  • Synthesizes proteins and lipids; processes cellular molecules.

Golgi Apparatus

  • Modifies and sorts proteins and lipids for transport.

Peroxisome

  • Detoxifies harmful substances; contains catalase for breaking down hydrogen peroxide.

The Cytoskeleton

  • Structural support; comprised of microtubules, intermediate, and actin filaments.

Collaboration of Cells into Tissues

  • Groups of cells forming tissues, which work together for complex functions.

Four Main Tissue Types in Animals

  1. Epithelial tissue

  2. Connective tissue

  3. Muscle tissue

  4. Nervous tissue

Impact of Diseases on Tissues

  • Diseases can alter cell/tissue structure and function, impacting health.

Summary Concepts

  • Cells are self-replicating and responsive to environmental changes.

  • Eukaryotic cells are complex and form multicellular organisms; prokaryotes are simpler.