Definition of life, organisation of living systems. Molecules in cells, structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids. Cell theory, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The cell nucleus, organisation of DNA, chromosomes. DNA replication and repair. Transcription and translation of genetic information, RNA processing, posttranslational modification. The cellular membranes, structure and function. Transport across biomembranes, cell membrane fusion. The endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus. The mitochondrion, production of ATP. The cytoskeleton. Cell growth and cell division. Regulation of cellular functions. Cell death, necrosis, apoptosis.
Last update: Laláková Marcela (16.09.2026)
Literature
Study materials provided by department – MOODLE (presentations, e-learning courses, and other suggested sources)
Course assessment methods and requirements for successful completion, grading scheme
REQUIREMENTS FOR CREDIT
I. General – attendance and conduct code in the classes
Attendance at practical classes is mandatory.
Classes begin at 14,40 p.m. Students are required to be ready 5 min before the class.
Each student is allowed one absence (medically or otherwise relevantly excused).
Medical excuse or any other valid official reason must be sent electronically to the instructor´s email within max. 48 h from the missed class. More absences might constitute reason for course failure and need to be solved individually.
In case of two or more unexcused absences, the credit will not be granted.
Practical classroom
All student clothes, boots, handbags etc. are to be stored outside the classroom in the facility lockers.
A dry pair of shoes (not boots) for indoor wearing is needed.
White lab coats must be worn during the practical class.
The use any electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, laptops, recorders etc.) in the practical classes is subject to permission by course instructors.
No eating, drinking, smoking or chewing in the laboratory classroom at any time including bringing water bottles or other food (drink) containers in the practical classroom.
The clean-up procedure and hygienic measures will be explained at the beginning of the practical classes.
II. Knowledge
All students are to sit eight written progress tests (paper) as specified in the syllabus. Each test is allocated maximum 5 points (when all questions are answered correctly). Points from all progress tests are summed with the maximum achievable 40 points. Minimal passing grade is 24 points. In case of the final score lower than 24 points, the student will have to sit a retake test. There are two retakes (first and second). Each retake will concern the topics of the entire semester and requires 70 % scoring to be passed. Failure in the second retake will result in the credit failure.
In case a serious health problem (officially documented) prevents the student from sitting any all the planned eight progress tests in the set date/time and an alternative date/time and test will be produced based on the agreement with the course instructor.
III. Other
Worksheets for particular classes (topics) (pdf format) will be available on Moodle before each class.
Credit sessions
If a student fulfills all credit requirements (i.e. a minimal scoring grade 24 points and attendance), the credit will be granted and recorded in SIS.
Upon other circumstances (need to write a retake test), appointments for credit will be scheduled as based on the mutual agreement of involved parties.
Last update: Laláková Marcela (16.09.2026)
Syllabus
Lecturers
Lectures:
Lecturer: prof. PharmDr. Emil Rudolf, Ph.D.
Living systems. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells Models in biomedicine DNA replication, transcription, translation Biomembranes, membrane transport
Cellular signaling – principles, signals, receptors, signaling cascades Control of gene expression
Cell cycle Cell death
Genes and genomes Mutations, polymorphisms, DNA repair Meiosis
Practical courses:
Lecturers:
prof. PharmDr. Emil Ruolf, Ph.D.
Mgr. Blanka Šestáková, Ph.D.
1. Introduction to the course, information sources, microscopy 1.1 Rules and requirements of the course 1.2 Scientific information in biomedicine – biology (types, databases) 1.3 Introduction to light microscopy, permanent mounts
3. Microscopy of living cells 3.1 Contrast enhancing microscopy, native mounts, observation of living cells 3.2 Progress test 2
4. Cell cultures in biomedicine 4.1 Introduction to the cell culture laboratory 4.2 Freezing and conservation of cells 4.3 Progress test 3
5. Cellular membranes – fusion and osmosis 5.1 Osmosis in plant and animal cells 5.2 Cell fusion 5.3 Progress test 4
6. Cell motility I 6.1 Cytoplasmic streaming, flagellar and ciliated motility 6.2 Progress test 5
7. Cell motility II 7.1 Cell motility – e-learning course 7.2 Progress test 6
8. Cell proliferation and its measurement 8.1 Techniques of cell cycle and proliferation measurement 8.2 Mitotic and proliferation indexes in cultured cells 8.2 Progress test 7
9. Cellular stress 9.1 Cellular stress and demise in human cells 9.2 Vital staining, examples of cellular stress responses 9.3 Progress test 8
10. Summary of cell biology course 10.1 Questions and answers 10.2 Credit test (in case of need)
