AME 60672 (598S): CELL MECHANICS

CATALOG DATA:
The effects of mechanical loading on cells are examined. Mechanical properties and material structure of cell materials are reviewed. Filaments, filament networks and membranes are examined. Mechanics of flow induced effects, adhesion cell-substrate interactions, and signal transduction are examined. Experimental techniques are reviewed.

TEXTBOOK:
Boal, D., Mechanics of the Cell, Cambridge University Press, 2002
Lodish, H., et al., Molecular Cell Biology, W.H. Freeman and Co., 2004
Selected reading.

GOALS:
This course is designed to introduce students to the cell as a structure emphasizing its structural components including the membrane, filaments, tubules and networks of these components. Of particular interest is mechanotransduction, whereby cells detect loading and respond. Some review of cell signaling is provided for those without a biology background. The fundamentals of mechanics are reviewed for those without a mechanics background as well.

PREREQUISITES:
none

Topics:

• Background
  i. Acid-Base Chemistry
  ii. Organic Chemistry
  iii. Mechanics and thermodynamics
• Cells
  i. Introduction to the cell
  ii. Filaments
  iii. Membranes
  iv. Cell signaling
• Experimental Techniques
  i. Flow induced effects
  ii. Cell-substrate interactions
  iii. Cell adhesion

ABET category content as estimated by faculty member who prepared the course description:
Engineering Science: 1.5 credits or 50%
Engineering Design: 1.5 credits or 50%

Prepared by: Professor James J. Mason
Last Update: April 13, 2004

Direct comments, questions, and corrections to amedept@nd.edu ÿ