BIO 390-01 - Readings in Biology

4 credits (Spring)

Eukaryotic organisms exhibit two types of cellular division: mitosis and meiosis. Meiosis is a specialized form of division that occurs only in the sex cells and is essential for the formation of the gametes. Somatic cells, by contrast, duplicate via mitotic divisions. Cells have in place a variety of structures and regulatory systems that work to ensure faithful division. In this course, we will read a mix of classic and current research that has advanced our understanding of these dynamic and vital cellular events. In particular, we will focus on the cytoskeletal elements that provide the force necessary to drive both nuclear and cytoplasmic division, as well as the signaling pathways governing M phase entry and exit. We will also place cell division into a broader context by exploring the biological consequences of division gone awry.

Prerequisite: BIO 252.
Instructor: Sandquist

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