OVERVIEW

The course titled "Biology II" aims to integrate the knowledge of "functional histology" and cell biology by aiming to provide students with knowledge about the organization and function of cells and human tissues with particular attention to the connection between morphology and function.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Know structure, organization and function of different human tissues and morphological-functional characteristics of cells that compose them.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

In order to provide the student with a complete view of the tissue organization, basic and advanced methods for analyzing the organization of human tissues and how this organization is instrumental in ensuring full homeostatic tissue function are discussed.

The course thus aims at:

1. provide basic concepts on morphology, cellular and molecular organization of human tissues;

2. discuss in depth the cellular and molecular characteristics of the different stem cell populations in the various tissues;

3. describe the functional properties of the various tissues and cells that compose them, focusing on physiopathological aspects as well.

It is possible that the method of conducting the lessons is changed due to emergency situations that prevent the performance of the lessons in attendance. In this case the lessons will be carried out through the Teams platform using suitable replacement teaching tools. For the practical part, high resolution slide images and / or virtual microscope will be used.

PREREQUISITES

General knowledge of chemistry, biology and genetics

Teaching methods

Class teaching and practical exercises under an optical microscope and laboratory.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

EUKARYOTIC CELL:

The main steps in eukaryotic cell evolution

The plasma membrane:

Structure and functions

Membrane transports

Endocytosis and esocytosis

The cytoplasm:

Hyaloplasm

Ribosomes

Rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (RER)

Smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum (REL)

Golgi apparatus

Lysosomes

Peroxisomes

Mitochondria

The cytoskeleton

Cell movement

Cell motility and intracellular transport

Cell junctional comlexes

The nucleous

The nucleolus

Cell cycle and mitosis

TISSUES:

Epithelial tissue:

Main characteristics of epithelia

Lining epithelia: organization and classification

Structural surface differentiations of epithelial cells (microvilli, stereocilia, cilia)

Secretory epithelia:

•          exocrine glands

•          endocrine glands

Connective tissue:

Extracellular matrix:

•          fibers

•          ground substance

Cell components of connective tissue

Connective tissue proper

Support connective tissue: cartilage and bone tissue

Ossification

Trophic connective tissue: blood and lymph

Lymphatic tissue

Cells of the innate and adaptive immune system

Muscle tissue:

• striated skeletal and cardiac muscle
• smooth muscle tissue

Myofibril structure and muscle  contraction

Nerve tissue:

• neurons
• glial cells
• nerve fibers
• synapses and impulse transmission

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Istologia di Monesi 7° edizione Casa Editrice Piccin

Citologia, Istologia e Anatomia Microscopica a cura di D. Zaccheo e M. Pestarino Casa Editrice Pearson

Atlante on-line (accesso libero): http://www.istologia.unige.it/

Istologia (testo e atlante) di M.H. Ross e W. Pawlina Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Exam Board

EMANUELA MARCENARO (President)

ROBERTA CASTRICONI (President)

SILVIA PESCE

ALESSANDRA DONDERO

MARIELLA DELLA CHIESA

Teaching methods

Class teaching and practical exercises under an optical microscope and laboratory.

LESSONS START

March 2020

Exam description

Practical test and oral examination

Assessment methods

The examamination includes two tests.

The first consists of a practical test where the student must describe two histological preparations by the use of optical microscope.

The second test, performing only upon the positive evaluation of the first test, consists of an oral examination that is subordinated to passing the practical test and which includes cytology questions and histology questions concerning the teaching content.

It is possible that emergency situations prevent the students to taking part in the examination in attendance for the final evaluation. In this case, the Teams platform will be used. For the practical test, the recognition and description of histological preparations. will be carried out on tissue images proposed through the Teams platform.

Exam schedule