Course Description

Effective: 2014-05-01

General Course Purpose

This course profiles the ultrastructure and function of cells & cell organelles. Emphasis will be on cell components, metabolism, cell division, and control of gene expression. The laboratory portion of the course will demonstrate basic cell biology techniques as well as introduce the student to new research advances in cell and molecular biology.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite(s): BIO 101 and CHM 111

Course Objectives

• Describe the structure & function of organelles commonly found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
• Describe the chemical composition of cells and their components
• Explain the basic principles of bioenergetics and apply these principles to enzyme function and metabolism
• Describe both metabolic and genetic regulatory mechanisms in cells
• Describe the patterns of growth, reproduction, and heredity in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
• Explain the differences between generalist and specialized cells
• Describe some of the common specialized end cell functions
• Explain the concept of unity and diversity of cell structure and function

Major Topics to be Included

• LECTURE
• Biochemistry
• Cell Structure: eukaryotic and prokaryotic
• Enzymes
• Bioenergetics: photosynthesis and respiration
• Membranes and Transport
• Biosynthesis
• Regulatory Mechanisms
• Growth and Division
• Heredity
• Differentiation
• Specialized Cell Functions, e.g., excitation, motility and contraction, secretion, and immunity
• LABORATORY
• Microscopy and Staining
• Spectrophotometry
• pH and Buffers
• Cell Fractionation
• Biochemical Extraction and Analysis
• Enzyme Activity and Kinetics
• Aseptic Techniques
• Bacterial Growth Curves
• Cell Permeability and Active Transport
• Photosynthesis
• Cellular Respiration
• Cell and Tissue Culture