Cells are the basic building blocks of life, and their functionality is largely defined by the structures within them organelles. Each organelle plays a specialized role, from the nucleus, which houses genetic material, to the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell.

• Nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, ER, Golgi, etc.
• Differences between plant and animal cells

The cell membrane, or plasma membrane, acts as a dynamic boundary that regulates the internal environment of the cell. Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, it is selectively permeable, allowing certain molecules to pass while keeping others out.

• Membrane structure (fluid mosaic model)
• Passive vs active transport, osmosis, diffusion

Microscopy has revolutionized biology by allowing scientists to visualize the intricate world of cells. From the basic light microscope to more advanced tools like electron and fluorescence microscopes, each technology offers unique ways to explore cell structure and function.

• Types of microscopes
• Staining techniques
• Hands-on: observing cells under a microscope

Protein synthesis is the process by which cells build proteins, the molecules essential for nearly every cellular function. This two-step process starts with transcription, where DNA is converted into messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nucleus.

• DNA to RNA (transcription)
• RNA to protein (translation)
• Role of ribosomes, ER, and Golgi

The immune system is the body’s defense network, composed of specialized cells that identify and eliminate pathogens. White blood cells such as T cells, B cells, and macrophages play key roles in recognizing foreign invaders and mounting an immune response.

• Immune cells and how they work
• Vaccines and immunity

Hands-on experimentation brings theoretical cell biology to life. Lab sessions might include preparing and staining slides to observe mitosis, testing osmosis using dialysis tubing, or culturing cells under sterile conditions.

• Cell staining, mitosis slides, osmosis experiments
• Real-life applications

Many genetic disorders stem from malfunctions at the cellular level. Errors in DNA replication or mutations in specific genes can disrupt normal protein production, leading to diseases like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs. Some disorders arise from defects in cellular structures like lysosomes or membrane proteins.

• Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, etc.
• Role of cell function in disease pathology

Viruses are fascinating and formidable biological entities that hijack host cells to replicate. They attach to cell membranes, inject genetic material, and reprogram the cell’s machinery to produce viral components. This process varies widely between DNA and RNA viruses, with some integrating into the host genome and others remaining cytoplasmic.

• Viral entry, replication, and host cell manipulation
• HIV, HPV, COVID-19 case studies

Synthetic biology is an exciting frontier that blends biology and engineering to design new biological systems or reprogram existing cells. Scientists can now build minimal or artificial cells using biomolecules, simulate genetic circuits, or engineer bacteria to produce pharmaceuticals or biofuels.

• Engineering minimal cells
• Applications in medicine and bio-manufacturing