Cell Physiology – Biology 456

Online Course Links at:

Instructor: Shere Byrd

Office: 790 Berndt, x7667

Email:

Office Hours: MWF 10:15-11:00, 12:30-1:25; TH 11:00-12:20; other times when my door is open

Posted on my website and on my office door. The easiest way to reach me is by email.

Course Description

This class will examine current topics in cell physiology. The course will examine these topics from the perspective of current research in molecular biology, current understanding of the topic by the general public, and legislation or public policy that may influence the future of research in these areas. The text and instructor will provide background information necessary for a more complete understanding of the topics discussed.

Required Texts

1. Molecular Cell Biology, 5th edition. Lodish, Berk, Matsudaira, Kaiser, Krieger, Scott, Zipursky, and Darnell. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, NY, 2004.

2. Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology. 3rd edition. JM Lackie and JAT Dow. Academic Press, San Diego, CA., 1999.

3. Lab Manual (available at the bookstore).

4. Packet of journal articles.

5. Powerpoint slides – will be supplied

Grading

Lab Work: 50 points each assignment.

Questions on Papers: variable points. We will read a set of primary journal articles and other related materials about once every 10 days. Questions on these papers will be due on the day of class discussion of the paper. You may drop the lowest grade for one of these sets of questions.

Short Quizzes 25 points each.

Scientific-to-layperson paper translation : 100 points. This paper will be written as if for the lay public, explaining the topic you’ve chosen and its importance to the public. Information regarding format and topic options will be covered in class.

Participation: 100 points. Course participation will be evaluated on days when paper discussions occur and when we solve problems in class. All students should be ready and willing to contribute information regarding their understanding of the paper being discussed, including material not necessarily found within the text of the paper (eg. more details regarding techniques used, results presented, etc.).

Final grades will be based on a 90%-80%-70%-60%-50% scale, with no curving. 90%+ = A, etc.

All assignments must be typewritten, with computer-generated tables and graphs imported appropriately into the text. Web resources are a fine starting point, but should not replace peer-reviewed, library resources.

Homework (questions on papers assigned) and labs must be turned in on time for full credit. There will be 5% loss in possible points per day late. No late assignment will be accepted after the instructor has graded and turned that assignment back.

If you haven’t read the paper, don’t come to the discussion, as I cannot give you credit for answering the questions if you have already heard them discussed.

As with any course, plagiarism of any written or other assignment will result in a failing (F) grade.

  • Students with disabilities have equal access and equal opportunity in this course. If you require reasonable accommodations to fully participate in course activities or meet course requirements, you must register withDisability Services, 280 Noble Hall, 247-7459. If you qualify for services, bring your letter of accommodation to me as soon as possible.

Syllabus

This is a tentative syllabus. Please come to class for the most up-to-date information. Adjustments may be made at any time during the trimester.

DATEChTOPICSASSIGNMENT

M1.10.051Overview of cell physiology and course formatPkt 1

W 1.1221How do cells grow and divide?

F 1.14.21Cell cycle and its regulation

M 1.1721Determination of number of cell cycles

W 1.1921Mitosis vs. meiosis (What? Again?); Research in cell cycle control

F 1.2121Quiz; Analyze the data problem on p. 895-896

M 1.24Paper discussion Questions on pkt 1 due

W 1.2615.3-15.7How do cells develop into specific cell types/tissues?Pkt 2

F 1.2822.1-22.4Public issues related to cell differentiation – stem cells/cell fate

M 1.31Cell differentiation in Drosophila (J. Condie)

W 2.2Cell differentiation in Drosophila (J. Condie)

F 2.4Cell differentiation in mammals

M 2.7Quiz

W 2.9Paper discussionQuestions on pkt 2 due

F 2.118.1-8.3, 18How do cells metabolize fuelsPkt 3

M 2.14Control of metabolism; hormones

W 2.16 13.3, 15.1-15.2Signal transduction; Research techniques in cell metabolism

F 2.1818Obesity, diabetes, hypertension/relationship to metabolism

M 2.2118Analyze the data problem on p. 776

W 2.23 Paper discussionQuestions on pkt 3 due

F 2.2519, 20How do cells move/move things?Pkt 4

M 2.28Issues related to movement – metastasis;neural

W 3.219Actin filaments in the cytoskeleton; assembly

F19 Traditional and non-traditional myosins

SPRING BREAK March 5-13

M 3.1420Microtubules; assembly and disassembly

W 3.16Cell/organelle movement

F 3.18Quiz; Analyze the data problem p. 851-852

M 3.21Paper discussionQuestions on pkt 4 due

W 3.23Flex day

F 3.25Cell stressors/adaptationsPkt 5

M 3.28p. 619-20Hypoxia/oxidative stress

W 3.30Other stressors

F 4.1Protective mechanisms – enzymes, etc.

M 4.4p. 632Protective mechanisms – immune response

W 4.6Paper discussion Questions on pkt 5 due

F 4.822.5Cell and organism ageingPkt 6

M 4.11Cell death

W 4.13Quiz

F 4.15Disease as aberrant physiology

M 4.189.5-9.6Cystic fibrosis

W 4.20pp. 72-3Alzheimers disease

F 4.22Paper discussionQuestions on pkt 6 due

Final Exam Thursday Lay paper due

See Syllabus for dates of paper discussions/questions due

Read the papers in the order presented.

Questions on specific papers in each packet can be found on the course website:

Packet #1

Machida, Y., and A. Dutta. Cellular checkpoint mechanisms monitoring proper initiation of DNA replication. J Biol Chem in Press, Dec. 9, 2004.

Melixetian, M, A Ballabeni, L Masiero, P Gasparini, R Zamponi, J Bartek, J Lukas, and K Helin. Loss of Geminin induces rereplication in the presence of functional p53. J. Cell Biol. 165(4): 473-482, 2004.

Packet #2

Lanza, R. and N. Rosenthal. The Stem Cell Challenge. Scientific American., June 2004, pp 92-99.

Cohen, S., and J Leor. Rebuilding broken hearts. Scientific American, 102(19), 2000, pp. 45-51

Li, R-K, Jia, Z-Q, RD Weisel, DAG Mickle, A Choi, TM Yau. Survival and function of bioengineered cardiac grafts. Circulation 100(II), 1999, pp. 63-69.

Packet #3

Manu V. Chakravarthy and Frank W. Booth. Eating, exercise, and "thrifty" genotypes: connecting the dots toward an evolutionary understanding of modern chronic diseases. J Appl Physiol 96: 3-10, 2004

Uwe Dressel, Tamara L. Allen, Jyotsna B. Pippal, Paul R. Rohde, Patrick Lau and George E. O. Musca

The Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor ß/ Agonist, GW501516, Regulates the Expression of Genes Involved in Lipid Catabolism and Energy Uncoupling in Skeletal Muscle Cells. Molecular Endocrinology 17 (12): 2477-2493

Packett #4
R. Mallik, S. Gross. Molecular Motors: Strategies to Get Along. Current Biology,Volume 14,Issue 22,Pages R971-R982

Gross, SP, Tuma MC, Deacon SW, Serpinskaya AS, Reilein AR, Gelfand VI.

Interactions and regulation of molecular motors in Xenopus melanophores. J Cell Biol. 2002 Mar 4;156(5):855-65. Epub 2002 Feb 25.

Packet #5

Lemonick MD. The ravages of stress. Time. Dec. 13, 2004, pp.45.

Epel, ES, EH Blackburn, J Lin, FS Dhabhar, NE Adler, JD Morrow and RM Cawthon. Acclerated telomere shortening in response to life stress. PNAS 101(49), Dec 7 2004 pp. 17312-17315

Packet #6

Ingram, V. Alzheimer’s Disease: The molecular origins of the disease are coming to light, suggesting several novel therapies. American Scientist, 91: 317-321, 2003.

Blanchard, BJ, A Chen, LM Rozeboom,KA Stafford, P Weigele, and VM Ingram. Efficient reversal of Alzheimer’s disease fibril formation and elimination of neurotoxicity by a small molecule. PNAS. 101(40: 14326-14332, 2004.

Lab Schedule

Due to the nature of some of the experiments we will be undertaking, you may need to come in to lab outside of regular lab hours to either prepare for the experiment, or make examinations for your results.

Please bring a calculator and a lab notebook to every lab. All labs meet in 3020 Berndt.

DateLab Project

January 12No Lab

January 19Cell culture of CHO cells/Photomicroscopy

January 26Passing cultures/Freezing back cultures

February 2Changes in gene expression in developing myotubes/Isolation of mRNA/RT-PCR

February 9Examination of RT-PCR products

February 16Movement of membrane proteins

February 23Drug effects on movement of membrane proteins

March 2Calcium signaling in CHO cells in response to hormonal stimulation

SPRING BREAK

March 16Calcium signaling in CHO with transfected receptor

March 23Western blot for receptor protein in CHO cells

March 30Flagellar regrowth in Tetrahymena

April 6Drug effects on flagellar regrowth

April 13Identification of signal transduction mutations S. cerivisea

April 20Identification of signal transduction mutations