Cell Physiology – Biology 456
Online Course Links at: http://faculty.fortlewis.edu/BYRD_S/
Instructor: Shere Byrd
Office: 790 Berndt, x7667
Email: byrd_s@fortlewis.edu
Office Hours: MWF 10:15-11:00, 12:30-1:25; TH 11:00-12:20; other times when my door is open
Posted on my website and on my office door. The easiest way to reach me is by email.
Course Description
This class will examine current topics in cell physiology. The course will examine these topics from the
perspective of current research in molecular biology, current understanding of the topic by the general
public, and legislation or public policy that may influence the future of research in these areas. The text
and instructor will provide background information necessary for a more complete understanding of the
topics discussed.
Required Texts
1. Molecular Cell Biology, 5th edition. Lodish, Berk, Matsudaira, Kaiser, Krieger, Scott, Zipursky, and
Darnell. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, NY, 2004.
2. Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology. 3rd edition. JM Lackie and JAT Dow. Academic Press,
San Diego, CA., 1999.
3. Lab Manual (available at the bookstore).
4. Packet of journal articles.
5. Powerpoint slides – will be supplied
Grading
Lab Work: 50 points each assignment.

Questions on Papers: variable points. We will read a set of primary journal articles and other related
materials about once every 10 days. Questions on these papers will be due on the day of class
discussion of the paper. You may drop the lowest grade for one of these sets of questions.
Short Quizzes 25 points each.

Scientific-to-layperson paper translation : 100 points. This paper will be written as if for the lay
public, explaining the topic you’ve chosen and its importance to the public. Information regarding
format and topic options will be covered in class.
Participation: 100 points. Course participation will be evaluated on days when paper discussions occur
and when we solve problems in class. All students should be ready and willing to contribute
information regarding their understanding of the paper being discussed, including material not
necessarily found within the text of the paper (eg. more details regarding techniques used, results
presented, etc.).
Final grades will be based on a 90%-80%-70%-60%-50% scale, with no curving. 90%+ = A, etc.

 All assignments must be typewritten, with computer-generated tables and graphs imported
appropriately into the text. Web resources are a fine starting point, but should not replace
peer-reviewed, library resources.
 Homework (questions on papers assigned) and labs must be turned in on time for full credit.
There will be 5% loss in possible points per day late. No late assignment will be accepted after
the instructor has graded and turned that assignment back.
 If you haven’t read the paper, don’t come to the discussion, as I cannot give you credit for
answering the questions if you have already heard them discussed.
 As with any course, plagiarism of any written or other assignment will result in a failing (F)
grade.
 Students with disabilities have equal access and equal opportunity in this course. If you
require reasonable accommodations to fully participate in course activities or meet course
requirements, you must register with Disability Services, 280 Noble Hall, 247-7459. If you
qualify for services, bring your letter of accommodation to me as soon as possible.
Syllabus
This is a tentative syllabus. Please come to class for the most up-to-date information. Adjustments may
be made at any time during the trimester.
DATE
Ch
TOPICS
ASSIGNMENT
M 1.10.05
W 1.12
F 1.14.
1
21
21
Overview of cell physiology and course format
How do cells grow and divide?
Cell cycle and its regulation
M 1.17
W 1.19
F 1.21
21
21
21
Determination of number of cell cycles
Mitosis vs. meiosis (What? Again?); Research in cell cycle control
Quiz; Analyze the data problem on p. 895-896
M 1.24
W 1.26
F 1.28
15.3-15.7
22.1-22.4
Paper discussion
Questions on pkt 1 due
How do cells develop into specific cell types/tissues? Pkt 2
Public issues related to cell differentiation – stem cells/cell fate
M 1.31
W 2.2
F 2.4
Cell differentiation in Drosophila (J. Condie)
Cell differentiation in Drosophila (J. Condie)
Cell differentiation in mammals
M 2.7
W 2.9
F 2.11
Quiz
Paper discussion
How do cells metabolize fuels
8.1-8.3, 18
Pkt 1
Questions on pkt 2 due
Pkt 3
M 2.14
W 2.16 13.3, 15.1-15.2
F 2.18
18
Control of metabolism; hormones
Signal transduction; Research techniques in cell metabolism
Obesity, diabetes, hypertension/relationship to metabolism
M 2.21
W 2.23
F 2.25
Analyze the data problem on p. 776
Paper discussion
How do cells move/move things?
M 2.28
W 3.2
F
18
19, 20
19
19
Issues related to movement – metastasis;neural
Actin filaments in the cytoskeleton; assembly
Traditional and non-traditional myosins
Questions on pkt 3 due
Pkt 4
SPRING BREAK
M 3.14
W 3.16
F 3.18
20
M 3.21
W 3.23
F 3.25
Microtubules; assembly and disassembly
Cell/organelle movement
Quiz; Analyze the data problem p. 851-852
Paper discussion
Flex day
Cell stressors/adaptations
M 3.28
W 3.30
F 4.1
p. 619-20
M 4.4
W 4.6
F 4.8
p. 632
22.5
M 4.11
W 4.13
F 4.15
M 4.18
W 4.20
F 4.22
March 5-13
Questions on pkt 4 due
Pkt 5
Hypoxia/oxidative stress
Other stressors
Protective mechanisms – enzymes, etc.
Protective mechanisms – immune response
Paper discussion
Cell and organism ageing
Questions on pkt 5 due
Pkt 6
Cell death
Quiz
Disease as aberrant physiology
9.5-9.6
pp. 72-3
Final Exam Thursday
Cystic fibrosis
Alzheimers disease
Paper discussion
Lay paper due
Questions on pkt 6 due
See Syllabus for dates of paper discussions/questions due
Read the papers in the order presented.
Questions on specific papers in each packet can be found on the course website:
http://faculty.fortlewis.edu/byrd_s
Packet #1
Machida, Y., and A. Dutta. Cellular checkpoint mechanisms monitoring proper initiation of DNA
replication. J Biol Chem in Press, Dec. 9, 2004.
Melixetian, M, A Ballabeni, L Masiero, P Gasparini, R Zamponi, J Bartek, J Lukas, and K Helin. Loss
of Geminin induces rereplication in the presence of functional p53. J. Cell Biol. 165(4): 473-482, 2004.
Packet #2
Lanza, R. and N. Rosenthal. The Stem Cell Challenge. Scientific American., June 2004, pp 92-99.
Cohen, S., and J Leor. Rebuilding broken hearts. Scientific American, 102(19), 2000, pp. 45-51
Li, R-K, Jia, Z-Q, RD Weisel, DAG Mickle, A Choi, TM Yau. Survival and function of bioengineered
cardiac grafts. Circulation 100(II), 1999, pp. 63-69.
Packet #3
Manu V. Chakravarthy and Frank W. Booth. Eating, exercise, and "thrifty" genotypes: connecting the
dots toward an evolutionary understanding of modern chronic diseases. J Appl Physiol 96: 3-10, 2004
Uwe Dressel, Tamara L. Allen, Jyotsna B. Pippal, Paul R. Rohde, Patrick Lau and George E. O. Musca
The Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor ß/ Agonist, GW501516, Regulates the Expression of
Genes Involved in Lipid Catabolism and Energy Uncoupling in Skeletal Muscle Cells. Molecular
Endocrinology 17 (12): 2477-2493
Packett #4
R. Mallik, S. Gross. Molecular Motors: Strategies to Get Along. Current Biology, Volume 14, Issue
22, Pages R971-R982
Gross, SP, Tuma MC, Deacon SW, Serpinskaya AS, Reilein AR, Gelfand VI.
Interactions and regulation of molecular motors in Xenopus melanophores. J Cell Biol. 2002 Mar
4;156(5):855-65. Epub 2002 Feb 25.
Packet #5
Lemonick MD. The ravages of stress. Time. Dec. 13, 2004, pp.45.
Epel, ES, EH Blackburn, J Lin, FS Dhabhar, NE Adler, JD Morrow and RM Cawthon. Acclerated
telomere shortening in response to life stress. PNAS 101(49), Dec 7 2004 pp. 17312-17315
Packet #6
Ingram, V. Alzheimer’s Disease: The molecular origins of the disease are coming to light, suggesting
several novel therapies. American Scientist, 91: 317-321, 2003.
Blanchard, BJ, A Chen, LM Rozeboom,KA Stafford, P Weigele, and VM Ingram. Efficient reversal of
Alzheimer’s disease fibril formation and elimination of neurotoxicity by a small molecule. PNAS.
101(40: 14326-14332, 2004.
Lab Schedule
Due to the nature of some of the experiments we will be undertaking, you may need to come in to lab
outside of regular lab hours to either prepare for the experiment, or make examinations for your results.
Please bring a calculator and a lab notebook to every lab. All labs meet in 3020 Berndt.
Date
Lab Project
January 12
No Lab
January 19
Cell culture of CHO cells/Photomicroscopy
January 26
Passing cultures/Freezing back cultures
February 2
Changes in gene expression in developing myotubes/Isolation of mRNA/RT-PCR
February 9
Examination of RT-PCR products
February 16
Movement of membrane proteins
February 23
Drug effects on movement of membrane proteins
March 2
Calcium signaling in CHO cells in response to hormonal stimulation
SPRING BREAK
March 16
Calcium signaling in CHO with transfected receptor
March 23
Western blot for receptor protein in CHO cells
March 30
Flagellar regrowth in Tetrahymena
April 6
Drug effects on flagellar regrowth
April 13
Identification of signal transduction mutations S. cerivisea
April 20
Identification of signal transduction mutations