BIOL 354 - Cell and Molecular Biology

3 Credits
This course presents a detailed examination of cellular systems and cell to cell interactions. Course content course will expand in depth upon the relationship between cellular structure and function: interactions between DNA, RNA and protein biosynthesis and how these interactions are regulated; Cellular growth and metabolism; and differences in cellular function amongst prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms including bacterial, plant and animal cells. Concepts regarding regulatory mechanisms of action and the interdependence of intracellular systems will be emphasized.

Grade Note(s): All BIOL prefixed courses required for the BS Biological Sciences degree program require a C or better grade for successful completion.
All BIOL prefixed courses taken as requirements in the Nursing programs require a C or better grade for successful completion.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 336
Corequisite(s): BIOL 354L
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Interpret the outcome of experiments that involve the use of recombinant DNA technology and other common gene analysis techniques.
2. Relate properties of cancerous cells to mutational changes in gene function.
3. Describe the general principles of gene organization and expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
4. Distinguish between different molecular biology techniques that are used to isolate, separate, and probe for specific nucleic acids, proteins, and their interactions.
5. Discuss the various macromolecular components of cells and their functions.
6. Describe the structure and function of biological membranes including the roles of gradients in energy transduction.
7. Explain the basic pathways and mechanisms in biological energy production from oxidation of metabolites to synthesis of ATP.
8. Explain various levels of gene regulation and protein function including signal transduction and cell cycle control.
9. Describe mechanisms by which DNA can be damaged and describe the molecular mechanisms by which protein complexes repair or bypass different forms of DNA damage.
10. Explain the main concepts that compose the Cell Theory and their relevance to modern biology.