Post Graduate in Cell and Molecular Biology

This paper provides a thorough knowledge about structure and function of cells,
cellular energetics, protein trafficking, bio molecules and cellular development.
Objective: Understanding the structural and functional aspects of the cell provides the
student with a strong foundation in the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular
function.
Goal: Students after completion of this paper will be exceptionally well prepared to
pursue careers in cellular and sub cellular biological research, biomedical research, or
medicine or allied health fields.
UNIT I
CELL ARCHITECTURE:
Structure and function of cells - prokaryotes and eukaryotes; Structure and organization
of Membrane - Model membranes (Liposomes), Glyco conjugates and proteins in
membrane systems; Response to stress - active and passive, transport channels and
pumps, Neurotransmission, neuromuscular junction; cytoskeleton and structural
components; Extra cellular matrix - cell to cell and cell matrix adhesion, gap junctions UNIT II
CELLULAR ENERGETICS:
Mitochondria - structure, biogenesis; Chloroplast - structure, biogenesis; Molecular
events of electron transport chain, ATP synthesis, photosynthesis and photorespiration
PROTEIN TRAFFICKNG:
Structure of Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, lysosomes; protein synthesis and
modification; vesicular transport and import into cell organelles
UNIT III
Oxidative reactions in microbodies, Nucleus, Gross structure of chromosome; some
specific gene sequences in chromosomes, chemical composition of chromosomes,
chromosome banding. The nucleosome, the supranucleosomal structures; specialized
chromosomes: polytene and lamp brush chromosomes. Nucleic acid structure: DNA and
RNA; DNA replication; transcription and translation. Gene regulation: prokaryotic gene
regulation- Operon concept; lac operon and tryptophan operon; Eukaryotic gene
regulation: transcriptional and translational regulations.
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UNIT IV
CELL CYCLE:
Mechanism of cell division: Mitosis; meiosis and genetic recombination; regulation of
cell cycle; factors and genes regulating cell cycle. Biochemistry and molecular biology of
Cancer - malignant growth, tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes; chemical
carcinogenesis, hormonal imbalances
UNIT V
CELLULAR DEVELOPMENT:
Cellular signaling; cell differentiation; gametogenesis and fertilization; development of
Drosophila and Arabidopsis - spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression; life
cycle and molecular biology of some pathogens - AIDS virus, tuberculosis, malarial
parasite, hepatitis virus, filarial parasite and kalazar parasite