LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing students with basic knowledge of the molecular mechanisms supporting the principal cell functions (from morphology and internal organization up to gene expression regulation, generation of differentiated cell lineages and genetic traits transmission). 

Proper attention will be given to the human body organization and to the morphology of different systems and organs. The structure of the various organs will be studied at microscopic level to provide understanding of their function.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes classroom teaching on topics of Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics and Human Anatomy.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is divided in two main areas:

Cell Biology:

1. Macromolecules – Topics to be developed: Basic structure and properties of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates shall be presented with focus on chemical bonds and molecular structure and interactions to provide notions to understand the basic cell biology.

2. Citology – Topics to be developed: Cell morphology and structure of procariotes and eucariotes. Biological membranes (models, chemical composition and functions), cell organelles (Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, lisosomes, peroxisomes, mitochondria, nucleus), cytoskeleton (composition and functions of the different systems). 

3. Cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions - Topics to be developed:  Cell junctions (different systems, meaning and functions), extracellular matrix (different forms, meaning and functions), cell communications (different systems, meaning and signaling mechanisms).

4. Gene expression - Topics to be developed:  Nucleic acids structure and functions, DNA duplication, transcription, translation, gene expression regulation.

5. Cell proliferation - Topics to be developed:  Cell cycle and control mechanisms, mitosis, meiosis, gametogenesis, mechanisms and meaning of cell death (apoptosis and necrosis), mechanisms of cell differentiation and cell transformation.

6. Basic genetics - Topics to be developed:  Mendel’s Laws of Heredity, probability of inheritance, alleles and genes, dominant and recessive alleles, homozygous and heterozygous definitions. Sex Chromosomes and Sex-Linked Inheritance. Karyotype aneuploidy.

Human Anatomy:

1. Tissues. Description and characterization and of the 4 basilar tissues:
2. Epithelium classification and characterization: surface and glands epithelia.
3. Connective classification and characterization.
4. Muscle.
5. Nervous.
6. Cardiovascular system: structure of arteries, capillaries and veins. Lymphatic vessels and nodes. Heart.
7. Alimentary system: digestive segment, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. Exocrine digestive glands: major salivary glands, liver and exocrine pancreas.
8. Urinary system: kidney structure, morphology and microscopic organization. Structure, morphology and microscopic organization of the lower urinary tract.
9. Endocrine system: structure, morphology and microscopic organization of pineal gland, hypophysis (anterior lobe and neurohypophysis), thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland (cortex with glomerulosa, fasciculata and reticularis zona and medulla) and islets of Langerhans.
10. Respiratory system: structure, morphology and microscopic organization of the larynx, trachea, lung and pleura.
11. Outline of male reproductive system
12. Outline of female reproductive system.
13. Outline of Integumentary system.
14. Neuroanatomy:
15. Embriologic development of neuronal tube.  
16. Cranial meninges and blood-brain barrier.
17. Spinal cord with spinal nerves.
18. Brain stem and cranial nerves from III to XII.
19. Cerebellum.
20. Diencephalon.
21. Cerebral hemispheres.
22. Basal ganglia.
23. Special senses: structure, morphology and microscopic organization of the eye with optical nerve. Ear structure, morphology and microscopic organization with vestibular organ and cochlea.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

-Alberts et al.; "L'essenziale di biologia molecolare della cellula"; Zanichelli Editori.

-Becker et al.; "Il mondo della cellula"; Pearsons Eds.

-Solomon et al.; "Biologia"; Edises

-Karp et al.; "Biologia cellulare e molecolare"; Edises

-Pollard et a.; "Biologia Cellulare"; Elsevier-Masson Eds.

-Martini/Timmons/Tallitsch: Anatomia Umana. EdiSES