Cell and Molecular Biology

Paper Code: 
25BOT121
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to –

  1. To provide knowledge about the intricacies of life processes at the molecular and cellular level.
  2. To impart knowledge in theory and practice about cell structure, organelles and their functions, molecules like proteins and nucleic acids

 

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Course Outcomes

Learning and Teaching Strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

25BOT

121

 

Cell and Molecular Biology

 

CO1: Critically analyze structures of cell focusing on the structure and function of macromolecules, membranes and  various cell components.

CO2: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the structure and functions of cell organelles & build the concept of significant cell & molecular interactions.

CO3: Develop the understanding of  the interactions between the various systems of a cell including nucleic acids, protein and other macromolecules.

CO4: Assess & evaluate the mechanisms of protein sorting in the cell with an insight into proteins associated with the cytoskeleton.

CO5: Evaluate the roles of checkpoints, Cyclin, Cdks, and MPF in cell cycle control and alterations of functions brought about by mutation.

CO6: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction.

Approach in Teaching:

Interactive-

Lectures

Tutorials

Discussion

Demonstration

Learning Activities for the students:

Peer learning

Seminars

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Presentations

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Cell Envelops & Associated Structures:

Cell wall: Dynamic structure, functions and biogenesis of cell wall

Plasma membrane: Structure, membrane proteins, membrane dynamics (trans bilayer movement, FRAP), transport of molecules (passive diffusion, ion channels and pumps, active transport driven by ATP hydrolysis and endocytosis)   

Plasmodesmata: Structure, functions, comparison with gap junctions.

Plant vacuole: Tonoplast membrane, vacuoles as multifunctional compartments, vacuoles as storage organelle.   

12.00
Unit II: 
Cell Organelles

Chloroplast: Structure, biogenesis, genome organization and nucleochloroplastic interactions

Mitochondria: Structure, genome organization and biogenesis.

Ribosomes: Structure, functions and biogenesis.

Other cellular organelles: Structure and functions of Golgi apparatus, lysosomes,   endoplasmic reticulum.

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Nucleus & Nucleic Acids

Nucleus: Structure, nuclear pore complex, nucleolus and RNA processing

DNA: Structure, types (A, B and Z forms), replication, damage and repair mechanisms.

RNA: Structure and types of RNA, transcription, RNA splicing, RNA editing

12.00
Unit IV: 
Cytoskeleton & Protein Sorting

Structure and organization of actin filaments, role of actin and myosin in cell movement, intermediate filaments, organization of microtubules, microtubules motors and movement and cytoskeletal accessory proteins.

Protein sorting: Targeting of proteins in endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, chloroplast and the mechanism of vesicular transport.

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Cell cycle & Apoptosis

Phases of cell cycle, cell cycle check points, families of cyclins and cyclins dependent kinases, DNA damage checkpoints, Cdk1/Cyclin B and progression to metaphase, progression to anaphase, cytokinesis and cell plate formation

Apoptosis and Programmed Cell Death: events of apoptosis, caspases, Bcl-2 family, regulation of apoptosis.                                                                                

 

Essential Readings: 

Essential Readings:   

  • Bell, S. P., Baker, T. A., Watson, J. D. (2008). Molecular Biology of the Gene. United Kingdom: Pearson/Benjamin Cummings.
  • Hunt, T., Wilson, J. (2014). Molecular Biology of the Cell 6E - The Problems Book. United States: W.W. Norton.    
  • Watson, J. D. (2004). Molecular Biology of the Gene. India: Pearson Education.    
  • Amon, A., Bretscher, A., Kaiser, C. A., Lodish, H., Berk, A., Martin, K. C., Krieger, M., Ploegh, H. (2016). Molecular Cell Biology. United Kingdom: W. H. Freeman.                                                             

                                                                                                                          Suggested Readings:

  • Lewis, J., Hopkin, K., Walter, P., Johnson, A. D., Bray, D., Alberts, B., Roberts, K., Raff, M. (2013). Essential Cell Biology. United States: CRC Press. 
  • Buchann, B.B., Gruissem, W., Jones, R.L. (2015). Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants. (2015). United Kingdom: Wiley.
  • Iwasa, J., Marshall, W., Karp, G. (2018). Karp's Cell Biology. Singapore: Wiley.
  • Karp, G. (2013). Cell Biology. Philippines: Wiley.
  • Roberts, K., Watson, J. D., Alberts, B., Wilson, J. H., Hunt., Raff, M., Lewis, J., BRay, D. (1989). Molecular Biology of the Cell. Egypt: Garland Publishers

 

References: 

e-Resources:

Journals:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

  • Journal of Molecular Biology (Elsevier).
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology, ASM (American Society for Microbiology)
  • Journal of Biology (Springer Nature)
  • Molecular Biology Reports (Springer)

 

Academic Year: 
2025-2026
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