BIOL 323 - Seminar in Cell and Molecular Biology

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

An intensive study of selected topics at the cellular and subcellular level. Topics vary, but may include organelle structure and function, advanced genetics, and mechanisms of cellular organization. Emphasis is placed on current models, issues, and research areas, and course material is drawn largely from primary literature.

Topic for 2013/14b: Cell Dynamics: The Rainbow Revolution in Living Cells. Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells that function harmoniously together, allowing us to eat, play and sleep. Individual cells are busy factories that orchestrate complex tasks at the right time and place. How do we study the inner workings of a cell when the subcellular activities are invisible to our own eyes? For decades, scientists were limited to studying only “time points” of dynamic cellular processes using light and electron microscopy. The discovery of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria was a significant breakthrough in cell biology research. This novel tool provided a platform for scientists to visualize and study spatially- and temporally-regulated subcellular activity at a molecular level in living cells and organisms. Subsequent work led to the development of a “rainbow” of fluorescent proteins that enable multi-color imaging of cell processes. In this course, we investigate the fascinating field of cell dynamics and explore how scientists have utilized fluorescent proteins to study the function and mechanisms of intracellular trafficking, transcription and translation, neuronal development, cell division and stem cells. Class material draws from primary literature and students participate in active discussion and presentations. Students learn modern cell and molecular biology techniques, experimental design, and critical thinking skills. Ms. Kee.

Prerequisite(s): two 200-level courses including one of the following: BIOL 218 , BIOL 238 , BIOL 244 , BIOL 248 , or BIOL 272 .

Two 75-minute periods.