300137 VO Ecology and Physiology of the cell (2006W)

1. the cell and its organelles: cells as basis of life: Prokaryota, Eucaryota as plants and animals, structure and function of organelles, Creation and Degeneration
2. Structure and movement of the cytoplasm: the cytoskeleton
3. Movement of cells
4. Cell division: mitosis and cytokinesis
5. Contact to other cells and to the environment via the plasma membrane: architecture of membranes; active and passive transport through membranes and translocation; Endo/Exocytosis; electrical properties of membranes; irritability; plasmodesmata, gap junctions, desmosoms
6. Signals and the possibilities of cells to react
7. Stress physiology: reactions of cells to biotic and abiotic stress
8. Normal and a-normal variations of cells: differentiation into different cell types; understanding the relation of structure and function; special properties of plant cells; adaption to ecological situations.

The lecture has introductory character but I will try to include the latest research results and findings. In addition or alternatively to that program, I am happy to include special topics of interest to the students.