Introduction to Cell Biology
Prince E. Adjei
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Topic: Overview of Cell Biology Module 0: Introduction to Cell Biology
Cell Biology (BME 161)
© 2024 Prince E. Adjei
Introduction
Grading for Course
Quizzes
Assignments
Group Projects
Midsemester Exams
End of Semester Exams
Modules and Prerequisites
Modules:
0. Introduction to Cell Biology
1. Enzymes, Metabolism, and Bioenergetics
2. Signal Transduction and Cellular Communication
3. DNA and Chromosomes and Cell Cycle
4. Genetic Recombination, Cell Death, and Stem Cells
5. Gene Expression, Regulation, and Emerging Technologies
Prerequisites:
Basic Biology, Chemistry
Introduction To Cell Biology
Topics:
(1). Definition of Cell Biology
(2). Scope of Cell Biology
(3). Importance of Cell Biology
(4). Cell as the Fundamental Unit of Life
(5). Interdisciplinary Nature of Cell Biology
Learning Objectives
Understand the principles of the Cell Theory, including the
concept of cells as the fundamental units of life.
Explain the structure and function of cells in relation to their
role in living organisms.
Identify the interdisciplinary connections between cell biology
and engineering, particularly in the context of biomedical
engineering.
Discuss the relevance of cell biology to real-world engineering
applications, such as tissue engineering .
Introduction To Cell Biology
Cell biology: This branch of biological
science deals with the study of the
structure, function, molecular
organization, growth, reproduction, and
genetics of cells.
Cell biology is mainly concerned with the
study of the structure of cells and the
function of specialized cells.
Scope of Cell Biology
Cell biology spans a broad range of topics that encompass the
structure of cells, the molecular components within them, and the
complex interactions that occur both inside and outside of cells.
Key areas include:
Cell Structure: Study of organelles (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria,
ER), and their functions.
Scope of Cell Biology
Cell Function: How cells perform essential functions
like energy production, protein synthesis, and waste
removal.
Cell Division and Growth: Mechanisms of mitosis,
meiosis, and cellular growth cycles.
Genetics and Molecular Biology: Study of DNA, RNA,
proteins, and how they regulate cell processes.
Why Study Cell Biology
Disease Understanding: Many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes,
and genetic disorders, arise from cellular dysfunction.
Understanding cell biology allows for better diagnostic and
therapeutic strategies.
Medicine: Cell biology underpins the development of vaccines, gene
therapies, stem cell treatments, and tissue engineering.
Why Study Cell Biology
Biotechnology: Cell biology is essential for advances in
biotechnology, including the creation of biofuels and
pharmaceuticals.
Developmental Biology: It explores how living organisms grow and
develop from a single cell (like a fertilized egg) into complex,
multicellular beings.
The Cell
Cell is the basic structural and functional
unit of cellular organisms, except viruses.
Cell is a Latin word, that means "small
room”.
Much like mini-kingdoms, cells have all the
equipment and expertise necessary to
carry out the functions of life.
History of the Cell
Robert Hooke (1665): Discovered and named "cells"
after observing cork under a microscope.
Anton van Leeuwenhoek (1670s): Advanced
microscopes.
Matthias Schleiden (1838): Proposed that plants are
made of cells.
Theodor Schwann (1839): Extended this idea to
animals, forming the basis of cell theory.
Cell Theory
Cell Theory states:
1. All organisms are composed of one or more cells.
2. Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in
organisms.
3. All cells come only from other cells.
Properties of Cells
Cells are:
Highly complex and organized
Possess a genetic material
Capable of producing more of themselves
Acquire and utilize energy
Carry out a variety of chemical reactions
Engage in mechanical activities
Able to respond to stimuli
Capable of self-regulation
Interdisciplinary Nature of Cell Biology
Cell biology, the study of cells as the fundamental unit of life,
extends beyond biology, interfacing with multiple disciplines to
solve real-world challenges.
Its interdisciplinary nature enables advancements in medicine,
engineering, and technology.
Tissue Engineering
Tissue engineering is a prime example of the interdisciplinary
nature of cell biology, blending biology, engineering, and
materials science to create functional tissues or organs for
medical use.
It relies on understanding cellular behaviors and interactions to
create scaffolds and environments that mimic natural tissues.
Core Components
Tissue Engineering
Applications:
Regenerative Medicine: Repairing cartilage, skin, and heart tissues.
Organ Transplantation: Developing bioartificial organs to address
donor shortages.
Disease Modeling: Creating tissue-based platforms for drug testing
and research.
Wound Healing: Accelerating recovery in burns and chronic
wounds.
Tissue Engineering
Future Directions:
3D Bioprinting: Manufacturing complex tissues layer by layer for
personalized treatment.
Vascularization: Developing techniques to grow blood vessels
within engineered tissues.
Synthetic Biology
Synthetic biology is an innovative and interdisciplinary area of
research that combines principles from biology, engineering,
chemistry, computer science, and physics to design and construct
biological systems.
It involves modifying cellular functions using engineered DNA,
RNA, proteins, and other biomolecules.
Synthetic Biology
Applications:
Therapeutics: Creating customized cells for immunotherapy, such as
CAR-T cells targeting cancer.
Biosensors: Developing engineered biological cells that detect toxins,
pathogens, or diseases.
Industrial Biotechnology: Producing pharmaceuticals, enzymes, or
materials through engineered cells.
Synthetic Biology
Future Directions:
Synthetic organs and tissues.
Advanced gene editing for treating genetic disorders.
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