Cellular and Molecular Biology 2

This required course in the third semester (S3) allows students to consolidate and expand upon the fundamentals of molecular biology and cell biology they acquired in their first year (L1).

Molecular Biology Section: The molecular and structural foundations of nucleic acids will be explored and examined in depth to understand the physicochemical properties of nucleic acids—which open up various avenues for technological applications—and the molecular mechanisms underlying the key processes in molecular biology, such as DNA replication, gene transcription into mRNA, and the translation of mRNA into proteins. These processes, illustrated by experimental evidence derived from various historical studies, will be studied in depth in prokaryotes. Comparisons with eukaryotes will also be discussed subsequently. The molecular mechanisms of DNA repair will also be described and explored.

Cell Biology Section: This section will cover the major concepts of membrane-bound and cytosolic protein complex formation, particularly in the context of cellular signaling pathways. The concepts of ligands, receptors, scaffolding proteins, signaling enzymes, intracellular second messengers, and response kinetics will be presented. Techniques in biochemistry and cell biology used to detect the presence and localization of proteins in cells and tissues will be discussed.

- Knowledge:

Molecular Biology:

-Understand the molecular basis of the structural stability of nucleic acids.

-Understand the physicochemical properties of nucleic acids in order to comprehend and develop various techniques in molecular biology (sequencing, identification of genetic mutations, hybridization, cloning, and mechanisms of action of antiviral or antitumor agents).

-Understand the molecular mechanisms that govern replication, transcription, and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

-Understand the main cellular DNA repair systems.

Cell Biology:

-Understand and grasp the key concepts underlying the functioning of signaling systems

-Understand the impact of an interaction between a ligand and its receptor (conformational change, activation, etc.)

-Be familiar with the major signal routes

-Understand how certain signaling mechanisms can be analyzed, particularly using Western blot and immunofluorescence techniques

 -Expertise:

Molecular Biology:

-Be able to relate an experimental or biological molecular mechanism to the various mechanisms involving nucleic acids or proteins resulting from gene transcription/translation.

Cell Biology: Be able to read and interpret results obtained through experimental approaches such as Western blots and immunofluorescence.

 -Interpersonal skills:

Understand the various concepts presented and use them to formulate hypotheses about how molecular and cellular processes work Be able to establish connections between the various molecular mechanisms presented.

Communicate with teachers and other students to carry out reflective exercises.

Be able to formulate a hypothesis based on one's knowledge.

Be able to summarize how a molecular mechanism works using a schematic diagram