BIO 2600 - MOLECULAR CELL

credits: 4.0
This course explores cellular structure and function at the molecular level and focuses on molecular, cellular, and biochemical laboratory techniques. Material covered includes eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure (membrane structure, organelles, transport, cell division, etc.), cellular signaling, nucleic acid metabolism, gene expression, protein and lipid biochemistry, nucleic acid extraction and manipulation (PCR, restriction digest, gel electrophoresis), protein analysis (ELISA), cell culture, and cell imaging/microscopy. Objectives: A) Describe in detail the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids as well as the molecular processes by which they are created; B) Describe the structure, composition, and function of key components of eukaryotic cells including: cell membranes, organelles, the cytoskeleton, and cell adhesions; C) Explain the basic mechanisms of signal transduction cascades and how they regulate cell processes as well as gene expression; D) Perform and understand fundamental laboratory techniques in molecular and cell biology; E) Evaluate experimental data and draw conclusions to solve practical problems in molecular and cell biology. Method of Instruction: Lecture/discussion plus weekly laboratory exercises. Lectures are primarily Powerpoint-based, but there is also lots of drawing on the board (instructor and students). Method of Evaluation: Letter grades are primarily from in-class exams, problem sets/homework assignments, and laboratory exercises.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 1020 - GENERAL BIOLOGY I and BIO 1020L - GENERAL BIOLOGY LABORATORY I
Co-Requisite(s): MUST BE TAKEN WITH A BIO 2600L SECTION.