BIOL 23000 The Biology of the Living Cell

Sessions Offered:

Prerequisites:

CHM 11600 or 12400 or 13600 and MA 16200 or 16600 or 17300 or 22400

Instructor(s):

Textbook(s):

Notes:

Content:

Cells are amazing, multifunctional machines that are subject to the same physical constraints as machines made by humans. This is an exciting time to learn biology because the ability to understand and manipulate cellular machinery can lead to major improvements in the global quality of life, including health, food production and energy use! An introduction to cell biology builds on a foundation of the physical sciences and explores the complexity of life. The course is divided into five main subject areas:

1. First Principles. We will review the relevant physical principles of thermodynamics and biological chemistry. The macromolecules that form a cell - proteins, membrane lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates - will be discussed.

2. Bioenergetics. We will discuss how the living cell transduces energy into useful currency. Topics include oxidation, reduction, glycolysis, ATP synthesis, and the harnessing of potential energy across biological membranes to do useful work.

3. Information flow in cells (the Central Dogma). DNA is transcribed to RNA. Messenger RNA is translated to protein. Proteins are often modified post-translationally and targeted to specific locations in the cell.

4. Responding to the Environment. How do cells respond to their environment? We will discuss the different strategies that have evolved in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Topics include gene regulation and cellular signaling.

5. Cellular Systems. We will discuss a few examples that illustrate biological complexity. Topics may include cell division, cell motility, and intercellular communication.