Cell Biology: Transport and Signaling
How do we know what we know about cells? Enhance your scientific thinking and data analysis skills with this in-depth adventure through cell biology.
Cell Biology: Transport and Signaling
How do we know what we know about cells? Enhance your scientific thinking and data analysis skills with this in-depth adventure through cell biology.
This is the first cell biology course in a three-part series. Building upon the concepts from biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology from our 7.00x Introductory Biology and 7.05x Biochemistry MOOCs, these cell biology courses transition to a comprehensive discussion of biology at an experimental level. How do we know what we know about cells at a molecular level and how can we use that knowledge to design experiments to test hypotheses in cell biology?
What you'll learn
- How to apply biochemical and genetic approaches to address fundamental questions of transport and signaling in the cell.
- How to evaluate the conclusions and models that scientists develop about cell biology from experimental approaches and results.
- How to select specific empirical methods and techniques based on the different kinds of questions scientists ask.
- How to design experiments to answer cell biology experiments with proper controls.
- How to assess biological necessity and sufficiency from experimental results.
- How to compare and contrast protein transport and signaling pathways processes.
- How to identify recurring themes in protein transport and signal transduction.
Prerequisites
Undergraduate biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology (as found in 7.00x Introductory Biology and 7.05x Biochemistry)
Meet your instructors
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Robert A. Swanson Career Development Professor -
Professor of Biology; Member, Whitehead Institute -
Director of Blended and Online Initiatives; Lecturer, Department of Biology -
Instructor of Blended and Online Initiatives, Department of Biology -
Instructor, Department of Biology -
MITx Digital Learning Fellow, Department of Biology -
PhD candidate, Health Sciences and Technology, MIT
Rebecca Lamason
Rebecca Lamason
Robert A. Swanson Career Development Professor
In the Lamason lab, we investigate how intracellular bacterial pathogens hijack host cell processes to promote infection. In particular, we study how Rickettsia parkeri and Listeria monocytogenes move through our tissues via a process called cell-to-cell spread. We utilize cellular, molecular, genetic, biochemical and biophysical approaches to elucidate the mechanisms of spread in order to reveal key aspects of pathogenesis and host cell biology. Rebecca earned a NIH Pathway to Independence Award in 2015.
Iain Cheeseman
Iain Cheeseman
Professor of Biology; Member, Whitehead Institute
The Cheeseman lab analyzes the molecular basis for kinetochore function. They study chromosome segregation during mitosis, which requires the kinetochore to mediate attachments between chromosomal DNA and spindle microtubule polymers. They use a combination of proteomics, biochemistry, cell biology, and functional approaches to examine kinetochore composition, structure, organization and function. Iain earned the Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (GCRLE) Scholar Award, 2020, the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Early Career Life Scientist Award, 2012, and the Searle Scholar Award, 2009-2012.
Mary Ellen Wiltrout
Mary Ellen Wiltrout
Director of Blended and Online Initiatives; Lecturer, Department of Biology
Mary Ellen earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Biology at MIT in 2009 and returned in 2013 to create 7.00x Introduction to Biology with Professor Eric Lander. Mary Ellen oversees the execution and evolution of MIT Department of Biology’s digital learning strategy. The group develops digital learning content for MIT students, advises evidence-based teaching practices, creates MITx courses, and studies the impact of design on learner engagement in their research. In 2016, Mary Ellen earned the MIT Infinite Mile Award. In 2019, their work received a silver award at the Reimagine Education science of learning category.
Darcy Gordon
Darcy Gordon
Instructor of Blended and Online Initiatives, Department of Biology
As a core member of the MITx Biology course development team, Darcy blends her pedagogical and scientific expertise to foster authentic learning experiences online, including the creation of visual resources and assessments. Previously, she completed her Ph.D. in the Traniello lab studying the evolutionary neurobiology of social insects, and additionally developed curricula for outreach programs while at Boston University.
Monika Avello
Monika Avello
Instructor, Department of Biology
As a former MITx Digital Learning Fellow, Monika (Moni) Avello focused on the development of assessments. She completed her Ph.D. in the Grossman lab at MIT and is currently an Introductory Biology Instructor.
Caitlin Friend
Caitlin Friend
MITx Digital Learning Fellow, Department of Biology
Caitlin Friend is a Digital Learning Lab Fellow postdoctoral associate for the Department of Biology and former Learning Technologist. She completed her PhD with her project entitled “The Roles of the Helicase Double-Hexamer Complex and the ssDNA-Binding Protein RPA During Eukaryotic DNA Replication" in Steve Bell’s lab at MIT. Since January 2020, Caitlin has been a core member of the MITx Biology course development team.
Mingyu Yang
Mingyu Yang
PhD candidate, Health Sciences and Technology, MIT
Mingyu (Ming) Yang is a PhD student in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics at MIT with interests in educational research and the application to classroom practice. Ming helped develop the 7.06x Cell Biology course series and continues with the 7.03x Genetics series.