Introductory description

The module aims to achieve a more in depth understanding of the basics of molecular biology. Students will understand the organisation and complexity of the sequence constitution of chromosomes in both Pro- and Eukaryotes. They will be able to understand how genes are controlled by building on the basics learnt in LF104 Molecules, Cells and Organisms on the nature of transcriptional control. They will be able to place this understanding into the context of chromatin remodelling, and will be introduced into the molecular biology of epigenetics. Students will gain an understanding of the mechanism of other layers of post-transcriptional/translational/post-translational control. They will be introduced into modern molecular methods and how they are used to study modern biological problems.

Understanding the biology of eukaryotic organisms requires knowledge of their organisation and operation at the cellular level. An appreciation of the means by which cells perform their many functions is a prerequisite for detailed study of the underlying biochemistry. This module does not cover the entire range of subjects that could be included under the heading of Cell Biology but concentrates on key areas to illustrate principles and to allow students access to the wider range of information available in modern texts.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Prokaryote Genomes
Eukaryote Genomes
Transcription and Post-transcriptional Gene Control
Advanced molecular techniques, microarrays, deep sequencing,
directed reverse genetic techniques.
Translation and translational control.
Post-translational modifications and events
Evolution of the eukaryotic cell
Microtubule cytoskeleton
Actin filaments
Actin motors
Cell cycle
Deregulation of the cell cycle in cancer
Mitosis
Cell death ( necrosis and apoptosis)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Students will understand the organisation and complexity of the sequence constitution of chromosomes in both Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes.
• They will be able to understand how genes are controlled by building on the basics learnt in LF104 on the nature of transcriptional control
• They will be able to place this understanding into the context of chromatin remodelling, and will be introduced into the molecular biology of epigenetics
• Students will gain an understanding of the mechanism of other layers of post-transcriptional/translational/post-translational control
• They will be introduced into modern molecular methods and how they are used to study modern biological problems.
• Students will gain a detailed understanding of the biology that underlies the fundamental cellular processes of such as the control of cellular duplication by cyclin-dependent kinases, the major forms of the cytoskeleton and the process of cell death.
• The principles that underpin the current understanding of these processes and their impact on development and disease form the basis of this module.

Indicative reading list

Lodish Molecular Cell Biology 6th edition 2007
Alberts Molecular Biology of the Cell 5th edition 2007

Students are directed to the current literature for an up-to-date appreciation of developments in
this area.

Research element

30% of the module marks will involve a laboratory class

Subject specific skills

Understand the structure and sequence content of both Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Understand the control of gene expression at multiple layers - from chromosomal context, to expression, to modifications of the product

Transferable skills

Self directly learning
Adult learning
critical appraisal of source material