BIOL 320
Cellular Biochemistry
1. Catalog Entry
BIOL 320
Cellular Biochemistry
Credit hours (3) Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: "C" or better in BIOL 112 and CHEM 112.
This lecture-based course explores the biochemical foundations of structure and function in cells. It will cover the four classes of cellular macromolecule: nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, including enzymes as biological catalysts, enzyme kinetics, and the acid-base chemistry of amino acids. The course will introduce the principles of thermodynamics that govern cellular metabolism, including the role of energy coupling, redox reactions, and biological chemistry in the biosynthesis and degradation of biological molecules. It will also discuss dysregulation of metabolic homeostasis that can lead to disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
2. Detailed Description of Course
Biological structure
Emergence of biological structure from electrical charges at the atomic level
Role of water in biological systems
Why is life carbon-based?
Amino acids and proteins
Amino acid structure and acid-base chemistry
The versatility of protein structure and function
Protein mutation in evolution and disease
Enzymes
Enzymes as biological catalysts
Enzyme kinetics
Regulation of enzyme activity
Non-protein macromolecules
Carbohydrate structure and function
Lipids and membranes
Nucleic acids and the flow of genetic information
Bioenergetics and the regulation of metabolism
Thermodynamics and bioenergetics
Redox reactions and energy coupling
Respiration and carbohydrate metabolism
Biological perspectives
Evolutionary relatedness of biochemistry in living organisms
Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome
Theoretical principles of biochemical techniques used in biology research and health care
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Cellular Biochemistry is a lecture course with discussions and in-class problem solving activities to encourage student participation and engagement. The course uses a standard biochemistry textbook, and the material will be reinforced through practice problems and assignments. Exercises will include biochemical calculations, analysis and interpretation of data, and evaluation of conclusions presented in the scientific literature.
Student Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Understand and apply the biochemical topics listed above.
Clearly and accurately communicate the concepts related to these topics.
Use mathematical equations to solve problems on acid base chemistry, enzyme kinetics, and thermodynamics, and make predictions for cellular outcomes under given conditions.
Analyze data in graphs and tables, draw conclusions from this analysis, and evaluate the scientific literature.
Understand and articulate the theoretical principles of biochemical techniques used in biology research and health care.
Assessment Measures
Assessment of the student’s success in the course in based on examinations and other assignments that may include homework, in-class assignments, and quizzes.
Review and Approval
January 24, 2024