1. Introduction to Cell Biology
- 1.1. Fundamentals of Cell Theory
- 1.2. Tools and Techniques in Cell Biology
- Microscopy: Light microscopy, electron microscopy.
- Staining techniques for visualizing cellular structures.
2. Cell Structure and Function
- 2.1. Cell Membrane
- Structure of the lipid bilayer and membrane proteins.
- Functions of the cell membrane: transport, signaling, and cell adhesion.
- 2.2. Cell Wall
- Structure and function in prokaryotes and plants.
- 2.3. Cellular Organelles
- Structure and function of major organelles: nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and peroxisomes.
3. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement
- 3.1. Cytoskeleton Components
- Microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
- 3.2. Motor Proteins and Cellular Movement
- Mechanisms of action: myosin, kinesin, and dynein.
- 3.3. Cell Motility and the Extracellular Matrix
- Mechanisms of amoeboid movement, flagellar and ciliary motion.
4. Cell Cycle and Cell Division
- 4.1. Cell Cycle Phases
- G1, S, G2, and M phases.
- 4.2. Regulation of the Cell Cycle
- Role of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and checkpoints.
- 4.3. Mitosis and Meiosis
- Detailed steps of mitosis and meiosis.
- Comparison and significance of both processes.
5. Cell Signaling and Communication
- 5.1. Types of Cell Signaling
- Autocrine, paracrine, endocrine, and juxtacrine signaling.
- 5.2. Signal Transduction Pathways
- Key signaling pathways (e.g., GPCRs, RTKs).
- Role of second messengers (cAMP, Ca2+).
- 5.3. Apoptosis and Cell Death
- Mechanisms and significance of programmed cell death.
6. Transport Across Cell Membranes
- 6.1. Passive Transport
- Diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis.
- 6.2. Active Transport
- Primary and secondary active transport mechanisms.
- Role of pumps and transporters (e.g., Na+/K+ pump).
- 6.3. Bulk Transport
- Endocytosis and exocytosis processes.
7. Cellular Metabolism and Energy
- 7.1. Metabolic Pathways
- Overview of glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
- 7.2. ATP Production
- Role of mitochondria in cellular respiration.
- 7.3. Photosynthesis
- Chloroplast structure and light-dependent reactions.
8. Cancer Biology
- 8.1. Characteristics of Cancer Cells
- Differences between normal and cancerous cells.
- 8.2. Molecular Basis of Cancer
- Oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and carcinogenesis.
- 8.3. Mechanisms of Cancer Treatment
- Current strategies for cancer therapy (e.g., chemotherapy, immunotherapy).
9. Practical Applications and Laboratory Techniques
- 9.1. Laboratory Practices
- Cell culture techniques and maintenance.
- Microscopy and staining procedures.
- 9.2. Experimental Approaches
- Techniques for studying cell cycle and apoptosis.
- Use of flow cytometry and Western blotting.
10. Ethical and Technological Considerations
- 10.1. Ethical Issues in Cell Biology Research
- Use of stem cells and genetic modification.
- 10.2. Emerging Technologies
- CRISPR and its applications in cell biology.
- Advances in live-cell imaging.