BIO 224 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
4 Credits
Description:
An introduction to molecular and cell structure. Emphasis is on nucleic acids and protein structure. The laboratory experience presents fundamental techniques for the isolation and characterization of biological molecules.
Pre-requisites:
A semester of college biology and college chemistry
Competencies:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. discuss the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
2. identify and describe the biological function of cell organelles
3. describe the structure of nucleic acids
4. describe the structure of chromosomes
5. describe the flow of genetic information
6. describe gene expression
7. explain and/or perform routine molecular techniques
Outline:
I. Overview of Cells
A. Architecture of cells
B. Lifecycle of cells
II. Biochemistry of the Cell
A. Carbohydrates
B. Lipids
C. Proteins
1. Amino acids
2. Structures
3. Enzymes
D. Nucleic Acids
1. DNA
2. RNA
III. Cell Membranes
A. Membrane structure
B. Phospholipids
C. Fluid mosaic model
D. Integral and peripheral protein
E. Transport
IV. Eukaryotic Cells
A. Architecture
B. Organelles
1. Structure
2. Function
C. Biogenesis
V. The Nucleus
A. Structures
B. Function
VI. DNA
A. Genetic material
B. DNA replication
C. Genetic recombination
D. Rearrangement
E. DNA repair
F. Transcription
1. Prokaryotes
2. Eukaroyotes
G. Translation
1. Prokaryotes
2. Eukaroyotes
H. Structure of chromosomes
VII. Gene Expression
A. Prokaryotes
B. Eukaryotes
C. Mutation
VIII. Cellular Activity
A. Cell signaling
B. Cell-cell interaction
C. Protein sorting
D. Interactions during development
IX. Other Cells
A. Plasmids
B. Bacteriophage
C. Transposons
Experiments/Activities:
Classical Genetics
a. Drosophila crosses
b. Story problems
Study of Cell Structure
c. Prokaryotes
d. Eukaryotes
Laboratory Activities
1. Isolation of DNA
2. Restriction Enzymes
3. Restriction Mapping of Plasmid DNA
4. Bacterial Transformation
5. Study of PCR
6. Study of Mutations
7. Study of Plant Tumors
8. Agarose Gel Electrophoresis of Proteins
9. Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis of Proteins