Molecular Biology - AM319001
Title: Molecular Biology
Guaranteed by: Department of Biotechnology (319)
Faculty: Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology
Actual: from 2019 to 2026
Semester: winter
Points: winter s.:3
E-Credits: winter s.:3
Examination process: winter s.:
Hours per week, examination: winter s.:2/0, Ex [HT]
Capacity: 15 / unknown (unknown)
Min. number of students: unlimited
State of the course: taught
Language: English
Teaching methods: full-time
Level:  
Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan
enabled for web enrollment
Guarantor: Rumlová Michaela prof. Dr. Ing.
Classification: Chemistry > Biochemistry
Interchangeability : M319001, N319007
Is interchangeable with: M319001
Examination dates   
This subject contains the following additional online materials
Annotation -
The Molecular Biology course introduces students to the key molecular processes in eukaryotic cells that are fundamental to their structure, function, and communication. The course covers a wide range of topics, from the regulation of protein activity and localisation within the cell, to the complex networks of cell signalling and cell cycle control, to mechanisms of differentiation, programmed cell death and the molecular basis of cancer. Students will learn about the structure and function of the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix and intercellular interactions. Emphasis is also placed on regulatory pathways involving signalling molecules, receptors, G-proteins and kinases, including their links to growth, differentiation and apoptosis. The course concludes with a discussion of carcinogenesis, including the role of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes.
Last update: Rumlová Michaela (09.03.2026)
Course completion requirements -

combination of written and oral examination

Last update: Kubová Petra (25.04.2018)
Literature -

R: Lodish H.: Molecular cell biology, 5,6,7 nebo 8.vydání,ISBN (7.vyd.) 978-1-4292-3413-9

R: Alberts B.:Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5 nebo 6 vydání ISBN (6 vyd.): 978-0-8153-4464-3

Last update: Rumlová Michaela (10.03.2026)
Syllabus -

1. Regulation of protein function:

Post-translational modification of proteins (phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination) Molecular chaperones and control of proper folding Proteasome system, protein degradation and regulation of mRNA stability

2. Sorting and targeting of proteins I - Intracellular trafficking

Transport to the ER, mitochondria, nuclei and peroxisomes Signal sequences, receptor systems and quality of protein folding in the ER

3. Protein sorting and targeting II - Vesicular trafficking:

Mechanism of vesicle formation, secretory pathway (anterograde and retrograde transport) Targeting of proteins to lysosomes, mechanisms of endocytosis

4. Transmembrane transport of small molecules and ionts

Transport of ions and small molecules by membrane proteins Mechanisms of transport: channels, transporters, pumps (Na+/K+ ATPase, ABC transporters) Importance of gradients, osmotic equilibrium, aquaporins

5. Cytoskeleton I - Actin cytoskeleton:

Structure of G-actin and F-actin, polymerisation and depolymerisation Actin motors (myosins), organisation of actin structures and movement

6. Cytoskeleton II - Microtubules:

Tubulin, microtubule organisation, centrosomes Kinesin and dynein motors, mitotic spindle, kinetochore

7. Cytoskeleton III - Intermediate filaments:

Overview of classes of intermediate filaments (e.g. cytokeratins, vimentin, lamins) Function and localisation in cells Involvement in mechanical stability and cell junctions

8. ECM and cellular interactions

Composition of the ECM and cellular receptors (integrins) Types of intercellular junctions (tight junctions, adherens junctions, gap junctions) Functional links between cells and the ECM

9. Signal Transduction I - General Principles:

Types of receptors, second messengers, G-proteins, kinases and phosphatases, adaptor proteins

10. Signal transduction II - Regulation of gene expression and specific signalling pathways:

Receptors with kinase activity (RTK), JAK/STAT, Ras/MAPK, PI3K/Akt pathway, ubiquitin-dependent and proteolytic signalling pathways (Notch, Wnt, NF-kB)

11. Cell cycle and its regulation:

Cycle phases, checkpoints, role of cyclins and CDKs, regulation of cycle entry, RB protein, E2F, mitosis, cytokinesis

12. Stem cells and cell death:

Totipotent, pluripotent and multipotent stem cells Differentiation, asymmetric division, apoptosis (Bcl-2 family, caspases, apoptosome)

13. Molecular basis of cancer:

Oncogenesis, differences between normal and cancer cells Proto-oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, multi-hit model, metastasis viral, chemical and radiation carcinogenesis, mutations in genes such as Ras, p53, RB

Last update: Rumlová Michaela (09.03.2026)
Learning resources -

http://eso.vscht.cz/

Last update: Kubová Petra (25.04.2018)
Learning outcomes -

Students of this course will understand the basic principles of eukaryotic cell functioning in multicellular organisms. Students will comprehend the structural and functional organization of eukaryotic cells, intracellular and vesicular transport of proteins to the organelles and their incorporation into biological membranes, basis of cell communication with the environment and signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, cell differentiation, programmed cell death, and integration of cells into tissues.

Last update: Kubová Petra (25.04.2018)
Registration requirements -

Biology; Molecular Genetics; Biochemistry

Last update: Kubová Petra (25.04.2018)