Syllabus and Study Guide: Biochemistry of the Cell (BIOL 4545)

Biochemistry of the Cell (BIOL 4545) – Syllabus Overview

Course Information

• Course Title: Biochemistry of the Cell

• Course Code: BIOL 4545

• Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00–11:20 AM

• Location: CN 142

• Credits: 3

• Pre-requisites: BIOL 3349, QUIM 3031

Textbooks and References

• Main Textbook: Nelson, D.L. & Cox, M.M. (2021). Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry, 8th Edition.

• Other References:

  • Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L., Gatto, Jr., and Stryer, L. (2015). Biochemistry, 8th Edition.

  • Voet, D. & Voet, J.G. and Pratt, C.W. (2018). Voet's Principles of Biochemistry, Global Edition.

  • Alberts, B. et al. (2022). Molecular Biology of the Cell, 7th Edition.

Course Description

This course provides a holistic view of the fundamental concepts related to molecules and interactions required to maintain cellular life in a dynamic equilibrium. Through the analysis of critical concepts, experimental techniques, and the study of macromolecules, students will understand the organization, regulation, and metabolic processes at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels.

• Key Themes: Molecular structure, information flow, energy transformations, cellular homeostasis, and evolution of biochemical processes.

General Objectives

1. Understand the principles of molecular processes and interaction networks regulating metabolism.

2. Describe and compare energy transformation processes (e.g., glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation).

3. Understand the mechanisms, kinetics, and regulation of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.

4. Describe the molecular composition, structure, and function of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

5. Comprehend the forces and interactions determining the form and function of biomolecules.

6. Compare the general concepts, properties, and organization of macromolecules.

7. Evaluate isolation, purification, and synthesis methods for studying proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

Course Schedule (Main Topics)

A. Biological Molecules: Structure, Function, and Characterization

Session	Topic	Chapters
1	Course Introduction, Rules, Introduction to Biochemistry, Water	1
2	pH and Buffer	2
3	Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins	3, 4
4	Primary and Secondary Structure	4
5	Tertiary, Quaternary Structure, Protein Folding	4, 5
6	Protein Techniques (Special Session)	5
7	Review Exam 1	1, 2, 3, 4
8	Protein Function I	5
9	Protein Function II	5
10	Enzymology I	6
11	Enzymology II	6
12	Enzymology III	6
13	Carbohydrates I	7
14	Carbohydrates II	7
15	Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids	8
16	Lipids I	10
17	Lipids II	10
18	Membranes I	11
19	Membranes II	11

B. Bioenergetics and Metabolism

Session	Topic	Chapters
20	Bioenergetics and Biochemical Reactions	13
21	Carbohydrate Metabolism (Glycolysis)	14
22	Carbohydrate Metabolism (Gluconeogenesis)	14
23	Citric Acid Cycle	16
24	Citric Acid Cycle (cont.)	16
25	ATP Synthesis: Oxidative Phosphorylation I	19
26	ATP Synthesis: Oxidative Phosphorylation II	19
27	Thanksgiving Break	-
28	Amino Acid Catabolism, Urea Cycle	18
29	Principles of Metabolic Regulation	15
30	Metabolic Regulation/Integration	15, 23

Assessment and Grading

• Exams: Five partial exams, covering specific chapters as listed in the schedule.

• Other Assessments: Quizzes, assignments, participation, and practicals.

Instrument	Points	Percentage
Quizzes, assignments, participation, practicals	100	15%
Partial Exams	500	85%
Total	600	100%

Grading Scale

Grade	Percentage
A	90–100%
B	80–89%
C	70–79%
D	60–69%
F	59% or less

Instructional Strategies

• Lectures (in-person and remote)

• Group discussions

• Interactive tasks

• Independent study

• Assignments and practicals

• Exams and quizzes

Policies and Additional Information

• Attendance: Mandatory for all classes and exams.

• Academic Integrity: Academic fraud will not be tolerated.

• Make-up Exams: Only with valid justification and documentation.

• Learning Platforms: Moodle UPR and Achieve (Macmillan Learning) will be used for course materials and communication.

• Accessibility: Students with special needs should contact the instructor for accommodations.

Contact Information

• Dr. Carlos I. González Vargas (CIG): [e-mail], Office: NCN-212

• Dr. Juan S. Ramírez Lugo (JSRL): [e-mail], Office: NCN-317

Summary Table: Main Biochemistry Topics Covered

Main Topic	Key Subtopics
Water and Buffers	Properties of water, pH, buffer systems
Amino Acids and Proteins	Structure, function, folding, techniques
Enzymes	Kinetics, mechanisms, regulation
Carbohydrates	Structure, metabolism (glycolysis, gluconeogenesis)
Lipids	Structure, function, metabolism
Nucleic Acids	Structure, function
Membranes	Structure, transport, function
Bioenergetics	ATP synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation
Metabolic Regulation	Integration, control mechanisms

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, objectives, and assessment methods for a college-level Biochemistry course focused on the molecular and metabolic processes of the cell. It is suitable for students preparing for advanced studies in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fields.