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The Open University

A tour of the cell

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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This free course, A tour of the cell, contains a blend of text and a multimedia interactive component to look at the uniformity and diversity within cells. Fundamental to understanding how cells 'work' is a knowledge of the subcellular components and how they are arranged. This is introduced through a series of in-text and self-assessment questions.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Introducing the cell
  • 1 Introducing the cell
  • 2 How is subcellular organisation studied?
  • 2 How is subcellular organisation studied?
  • 2.1 Electron microscopy
  • Transmission electron microscopy
  • Immunoelectron microscopy
  • 2.2 Cell fractionation
  • Centrifugation
  • Summary of Sections 1 and 2
  • 3 The organisation of prokaryotic cells
  • 3 The organisation of prokaryotic cells
  • Summary of Section 3
  • 4 The organisation of eukaryotic cells
  • 4 The organisation of eukaryotic cells
  • 4.1 Cell surfaces
  • 4.2 The cytoskeleton
  • Microfilaments
  • Microtubules
  • Intermediate filaments
  • 4.3 The nucleus
  • The arrangement of DNA in the nucleus
  • The nucleolus
  • Nuclear structure and the transport of molecules
  • 4.4 Ribosomes: the sites of protein synthesis
  • 4.5 The endoplasmic reticulum
  • 4.6 Vesicles
  • 4.7 The Golgi apparatus
  • 4.8 Protein secretion from the cell
  • 4.9 Lysosomes and peroxisomes
  • 4.10 Mitochondria
  • 4.11 Chloroplasts
  • 4.12 Vacuoles
  • 4.13 Organelle biogenesis and additional roles
  • Summary of Section 4
  • 5 Cell interactions in tissues
  • 5 Cell interactions in tissues
  • 5.1 Extracellular matrix
  • 5.2 Cell junctions
  • Summary of Section 5
  • Conclusion
  • Glossary
  • Acknowledgements

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Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 2 Class Central reviews

4.5 rating at OpenLearn based on 24 ratings

Start your review of A tour of the cell

  • Profile image for Pat Bowden
    Pat Bowden @pat
    261
    An interesting course that gives an overview of cell structure and what's inside cells. You will learn the main differences between plant and animal cells. Described as an intermediate level, some of the terms would be unfamiliar if you haven't done any biology before, but the included glossary is helpful.

    A text-based course (no videos) with plenty of labelled electron microscope images and diagrams. And no quiz: you can receive a free certificate of participation after completing all the modules.
  • Profile image for Foroogh Yousefi
    Foroogh Yousefi
    it was amazing and helpful
    This course was very helpful and helpful
    The lessons are taught in a clear and fluent way and the pictures help to understand better
    You don't need any previous information at all, this course will introduce you to the cells of your body from scratch
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