Objectives and competences

• Detailed knowledge of the structure, chemical composition and transport mechanisms in cell. • To get insights into the mechanisms of signal perception and mechanisms of inter- and intracellular sensing. • To recognise some adaptations to stress factors at the cellular level and defense mechanisms. • Application of methods in environmental monitoring

Content (Syllabus outline)

I. Eukaryotic cell organisation: Molecular compounds of the cell and the organization of prokaryotic, plant, fungal and animal cells. Experimental approaches. Endosimbyotic theory and evolution of life. Biological membranes and transport. Endomembranes: endoplasmatic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Endocytosis and exocitosis. Organelles of energy transformations (mitochondria, peroxisomes, glyoxisomes). Cytosol. Cytoskeleton. Interphase nucleus. Cromatyin. Chromosome. Nuclear divisons: mitosis and meiosis. Programmed cell death. Cells of immune system. Specific plant components: cell wall, plastids and vacuoles. II. The environmental impact on plant cell, cell types and cell compartments Alterations in chemical compounds, enzyme activity and metabolism, changes of cell organelles, changes in membrane organization, DNA, programmed cell death. III. Microscopical techniques in ecotoxicology and biomonitoring

Learning and teaching methods

Subject is based on lectures that give basic concepts of cell biology with the help of the audio-visual techniques. The lectures are prerequest for enrolling in the laboratory courses. Written exam after passing the colloquium, laboratory practicals, independent work.

Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding

By the end of this course students should be able to: Recognise the difference between plant and animal cell. Identify organells at TEM micrographs. Explain the structure and function of main compartments. Recognise and understand the importance of plant cell wall and vacuole in defense against pathogens and pests. Explain the role of plant cell wall and vacuole for organoleptic properties of fruits. Understanding the physiological disorders on subcellular level. Understanding the role of the programmed cell death for plant/animal/human organ structure and function.

Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes

Readings

Pollard T. D. et al., Cell Biology,2016, Third Edition. Kleinig H., Sitte P., Zellbiologie, 1999. Tekoča periodika iz katere povzemam izročke: The Plant Cell Protoplasma Plant Cell and Environment Plant and Cell Physiology Journal of Plant Biotechnology Trends in Plant Science

Prerequisits

None.