Advanced Cell Biology

Explore the cell as a dynamic system functioning through hundreds of simultaneous chemical reactions and learn the research tools scientists use to solve problems in cell biology.

Teacher: Melissa Ko

You know the nucleus is the cell's "control center," but do you know how small proteins are selectively imported or exported through giant nuclear pores? You’re familiar with how cells divide in mitosis, but how do exactly do they know when to separate their chromosome pairs?

In this class, we will explore the cell - the basic unit of life - and both big themes of how cells work as well as the specific chemical mechanisms. We will learn how the cell acts as a dynamic, tightly regulated system where high-level functions can arise from basic chemical reactions and physical laws. In examining several key topics in cell biology, we will see how cells are able to fulfill their roles in multi-cellular organisms and what problems can emerge if one piece of life’s machinery goes awry. We will also introduce the research tools real scientists use to answer questions in cell biology, and challenge ourselves with problems based on experiments and data one might see in a modern lab.

For the application...

Prerequisites

Honors or AP Biology, one course in high school chemistry

Relevant experience

All experience with biology topics (courses, clubs, independent research). You may also list courses in physics and chemistry.

Application Question (Core-specific free response)

Cancer is a disease caused by unregulated growth of cells in the body. These cells have transformed such that they exhibit excessive, uncontrollable cell divisions that result in a tumor. To study how the transformation of a normal cell into a cancer cell occurs, you compare the protein contents of the cells, and produce the following result. The thickness of the band corresponds to the amount of protein present in each sample.

Protein X is a transcription factor that turns on the genes necessary for growth. Protein Y is an enzyme that degrades signaling proteins like growth factors that stimulate the cell to divide. Protein Z is a kinase that activates enzymes responsible for DNA replication.

A. Compare what you see in the control (normal) cell to the transformed cancer cell.
B. Using the given information, hypothesize how these proteins may contribute to the transformation.
C. Describe an experiment you could do to see if these proteins are involved in the onset of cancer. No need to name techniques, just explain the concepts and results that would prove your hypothesis.