VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

551-0319-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-BIOL , D-MAVT , D-HEST
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Cellular Biochemistry (part I)

Lecturers: Prof. em. Dr. Ari Helenius, Prof. Dr. Ulrike Kutay, Prof. Dr. Kaspar Locher, Dr. Horst Hemmo Meyer
Examiners: Prof. Dr. Ulrike Kutay
VVZ CR 2.4

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:05:52

Abstract

Molecular mechanisms and concepts underlying the biochemistry of the cell, providing advanced insights into the structural and functional details of individual cell components, and the complex regulation of their interactions. Particular emphasis will be put on the spatial and temporal integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into global cellular processes.

Objective

The full-year course (551-0319-00 & 551-0320-00) focuses on the molecular mechanisms and concepts underlying the biochemistry of cellular physiology, investigating how these processes are integrated to carry out highly coordinated cellular functions. The molecular characterisation of complex cellular functions requires a combination of approaches such as biochemistry, but also cell biology and genetics. This course is therefore the occasion to discuss these techniques and their integration in modern cellular biochemistry. The students will be able to describe the structural and functional details of individual cell components, and the spatial and temporal regulation of their interactions. In particular, they will learn to explain the integration of different molecules and signaling pathways into complex and highly dynamic cellular processes such as intracellular transport, cytoskeletal rearrangements, cell motility, cell division and cell growth. In addition, they will be able to illustrate the relevance of particular signaling pathways for cellular pathologies such as cancer.

Content

Structural and functional details of individual cell components, regulation of their interactions, and various aspects of the regulation and compartmentalisation of biochemical processes. Topics include: biophysical and electrical properties of membranes; viral membranes; structural and functional insights into intracellular transport and targeting; vesicular trafficking and phagocytosis; post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.

Resources

Literature

Recommended supplementary literature (review articles and selected primary literature) will be provided during the course.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes
Leistungskontrolle kann in Deutsch oder Englisch absolviert werden.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Cellular Biochemistry (part I)
  • Mon 14:45-16:30 (HPM D 7.2)
2 h weekly

Offered In