Functional Physiology 320-ERS-1FUPL

Substantive content:
DNA content and cell size variation. The impact of cell size and cell division rate on the physiological properties of an organism and variation in the metabolic rates;
Basal Metabolic Rate is a fundamental trait of all living organisms. Metabolic rate measurements. Closed respirometry;
Experiments with artificial selection as a model system;
The main genes involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism. Metabolic signaling pathways;
Cellular aerobic pathways and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS);
Oxidative stress and examples for dietary interventions;
The structure and function of different types of cells. The basis for animal histology. Histological slides preparation;
Basic microscopy techniques. Cell size measurements;
Animal cell growth and cell division rate;
Evolution of cell size is a key factor in developing nowadays maladies such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or cancer;
Peto’s paradox and general methods of cancer prevention;
The evolutionary context of carcinogenesis and its possible contribution to the understanding of mechanisms of cancer initiation;
The use of animal models in cancer and diabetes research;
The clinical aspect of the physiological studies and trends in the individualization of metabolic disease therapies;