Module Information
Module Identifier
BS22320
Module Title
GAMETES, CELLS & ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT
Academic Year
2009/2010
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
BS13510
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Practical | 6 x 3 hours |
| Lecture | 30 x 1h lectures |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Practical Exercise: Continuous assessment of practicals | 30% |
| Semester Exam | 3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper | 70% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper (plus resubmission of failed coursework or an alternative) |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module the student should be able to explain the significance of
- cellular aspects of reproduction and gamete formation * the formative process of embryo development
- differentiation leading to ageing processes and the possibility of cancer.
Aims
To achieve on understanding of the essential aspects of animal development from gamete formation to maturity, reproduction, ageing and cancer in the context of cellular physiology.
Content
The module provides the basic framework for understanding animal development, reproduction and ageing in the context of modern cell biology and evolution.
The introduction to cell biology given in Module BS12610 will be built upon to present a greater understanding of the relationship between cellular behaviour and reproduction, development, ageing and cancer. The following topics will be studied:
1. A broad discussion of the eukaryotic cell-cycle and its control mechanisms, including triggers for apoptosis or differentiation will serve as an introduction to the module. The nature of stem cells and control of their division will also be discussed.
2. Gametogenesis, leading to fertilization mechanisms.
3. The significance of cell adhesion and motility, in response to growth factors and the extracellular matrix will be discussed in relation to cellular movements within the embryo. Experimental examples will be discussed where in vitro experiments of cultured cells have revealed much about how cells respond to their immediate environment. The neural crest movements, characteristic of the vertebrate developmental pattern, will be described and discussed in terms of cellular behaviour.
4. 'Classical' embryological development will be examined, including patterns of cleavage and gastrulation as well as the ooplasmic segregation in mosaic eggs of annelids and echinoderms. Vertebrate gastrulation and neurulation will be described using examples of amphibian and avian embryos.
5. Developmental mechanisms such as induction (tissue communication) will be discussed. Interaction between ectoderm and mesoderm in chick limb development will be taken as an example, as will the development of the eye. Theories of how the pattern of development is controlled will be introduced, with particular analysis of the role of homeobox genes in chick limb development.
6. Genetic aspects of the developmental process will be examined. The hierarchy of homeobox gene action in the development of Drosphila will be compared with their expression patterns in the development of the head and main body axis of vertebrates.
7. The process of ageing will be examined, and related to aspects of cellular behaviour in the body. How the body deals with the agents that accelerate the ageing process as well as agents and conditions that cause oncogenesis will be discussed with reference to its evolutionary significance.
Practical classes will deal with observation of cell adhesion in sponges, cell division and cleavage in a serpulid or nematode egg, methods of staining a developing chick embryo, amphibian development patterns and a comparison of normal and cancer cells. These will include the viewing of suitable video material, where appropriate.
The introduction to cell biology given in Module BS12610 will be built upon to present a greater understanding of the relationship between cellular behaviour and reproduction, development, ageing and cancer. The following topics will be studied:
1. A broad discussion of the eukaryotic cell-cycle and its control mechanisms, including triggers for apoptosis or differentiation will serve as an introduction to the module. The nature of stem cells and control of their division will also be discussed.
2. Gametogenesis, leading to fertilization mechanisms.
3. The significance of cell adhesion and motility, in response to growth factors and the extracellular matrix will be discussed in relation to cellular movements within the embryo. Experimental examples will be discussed where in vitro experiments of cultured cells have revealed much about how cells respond to their immediate environment. The neural crest movements, characteristic of the vertebrate developmental pattern, will be described and discussed in terms of cellular behaviour.
4. 'Classical' embryological development will be examined, including patterns of cleavage and gastrulation as well as the ooplasmic segregation in mosaic eggs of annelids and echinoderms. Vertebrate gastrulation and neurulation will be described using examples of amphibian and avian embryos.
5. Developmental mechanisms such as induction (tissue communication) will be discussed. Interaction between ectoderm and mesoderm in chick limb development will be taken as an example, as will the development of the eye. Theories of how the pattern of development is controlled will be introduced, with particular analysis of the role of homeobox genes in chick limb development.
6. Genetic aspects of the developmental process will be examined. The hierarchy of homeobox gene action in the development of Drosphila will be compared with their expression patterns in the development of the head and main body axis of vertebrates.
7. The process of ageing will be examined, and related to aspects of cellular behaviour in the body. How the body deals with the agents that accelerate the ageing process as well as agents and conditions that cause oncogenesis will be discussed with reference to its evolutionary significance.
Practical classes will deal with observation of cell adhesion in sponges, cell division and cleavage in a serpulid or nematode egg, methods of staining a developing chick embryo, amphibian development patterns and a comparison of normal and cancer cells. These will include the viewing of suitable video material, where appropriate.
Reading List
Recommended TextAlberts, B., Bray, D., Lewis, J., Ruff, M., Roberts, K. & Watson, D. (2002) Molecular biology of the cell The whole contents of this book can be accessed on line from the NCBI website, Books section - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=Books 4th New york: Garland Publishing. Becker, W.M., Kleinsmith, L.J., Hardin, J. (2006) The World of the Cell This book provides links to a support website 6th Pearson, Benjamin/Cummings, San Francisco Primo search Campbell, N.A. & Reece, J.B. (2005) Biology Benjamin/Cummings, San Francisco, USA Primo search Wolpert, L. (1998) Principles of development Oxford UP, Oxford Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5