CELB40060 Membrane Trafficking in Animal Cells

Academic Year 2020/2021

Within eukaryotic cells the endomembrane system provides a means by which distinct biochemical reactions can be segregated into separate compartments. This allows cells to be more efficient, and allows for diversity of cell types with specialised functions. Subcellular compartments need to be able to exchange material and communicate with one another, and this is largely achieved through membrane trafficking pathways. This module will provide detailed information about the molecular events of membrane trafficking, including formation, transport and fusion of transport carriers; heterogeneity of transport carrier morphology; roles of cytoplasmic coat protein complexes; roles of accessory molecules; importance of the cytoskeleton in membrane traffic; transport pathways in polarised and other specialised cell types; and diseases associated with defects in membrane traffic. Emphasis will also be paid to the importance of imaging-based approaches in furthering our understanding of membrane traffic in animal cells.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, registrants will have a clear understanding of the important role of membrane traffic in maintaining cell health. You will be able to appreciate the complexity of membrane traffic pathways, and how these have evolved to be able to transport a wide variety of cargo molecules between subcellular compartments. You will also understand the importance of using various microscopy-based techniques to study biological events in living cells. You will also be able to assess and interpret primary research data, and importantly learn how to communicate results to an audience.

Indicative Module Content:

Concepts in membrane traffic
Export from the endoplasmic reticulum and the COPII coat
The ER-Golgi interface and the COPI coat
Traffic through the Golgi complex
Sorting at the trans-Golgi network
Sorting in the endosomal system
Control of membrane traffic through Rabs, SNAREs and tethers

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Tutorial

2
Autonomous Student Learning

113
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is delivered through lectures, along with individual student presentations on current topics in membrane traffic to provide a peer-to-peer learning experience. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

This is an advanced module. Completion of module CELB30090 (Advanced Cell Biology) is strongly recommended.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Written exam Varies over the Trimester No Graded No

75
Presentation: Presentation on a current paper / topic in membrane traffic Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

25

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.