Bio Sci 93: From DNA to Organisms – Syllabus and Course Introduction Study Notes

Course Overview

Introduction to Bio Sci 93

Bio Sci 93: From DNA to Organisms is a foundational course in General Biology at the University of California, Irvine. The course covers the molecular and cellular basis of life, focusing on how genetic information is expressed and transmitted, and how these processes contribute to the structure and function of living organisms.

• Course Sections: Multiple lecture sections are offered to accommodate student schedules.

• Course Website: All materials and announcements are available on the Canvas platform.

Instructors

Faculty and Research Interests

The course is taught by faculty from the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, UCI. Their research interests span molecular neuroscience, genetics, and disease pathogenesis.

• Dr. Kim Green: Focuses on the intersection of the immune system and brain function, pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, and genome modification technologies such as CRISPR.

• Dr. Dina Matheos: (Details not provided in images, but inferred to be a co-instructor with expertise in molecular biology.)

• Dr. Marcelo Wood: Studies molecular mechanisms of memory formation and the effects of aging and substance abuse on memory systems.

Additional info: Faculty research interests provide context for the course's emphasis on molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and neuroscience.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

Objectives of Bio Sci 93

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain basic concepts of cellular and molecular biology using appropriate terminology.

• Describe how cellular components work together to support life.

• Understand the molecular mechanisms of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.

• Apply the scientific method to develop and test hypotheses, make predictions, and interpret scientific data.

Major Themes in Biology

Properties of Living Organisms

Living organisms are recognized by a set of fundamental properties that distinguish them from non-living matter.

• Order: Organisms exhibit highly ordered structures.

• Evolutionary Adaptation: Populations evolve over generations through adaptation.

• Response to Environment: Organisms respond to environmental stimuli.

• Energy Processing: Living things acquire and use energy to power activities.

• Growth and Development: Organisms grow and develop according to genetic instructions.

Biological Hierarchies

Biological structures are organized in a hierarchy from molecules to the biosphere.

• Molecule → Organelle → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biosphere

Example: The human body is composed of trillions of cells, which are organized into tissues and organs that perform specific functions.

Emergent Properties

Emergent properties arise at each level of biological organization, resulting from the arrangement and interactions of parts within a system.

• Definition: Properties that are not present at the preceding level but emerge due to the complexity of interactions.

• Example: The ability of a heart to pump blood is an emergent property of the coordinated function of cardiac cells.

The Cell: The Basic Unit of Life

Cell Structure and Function

The cell is the smallest unit of organization capable of performing all activities required for life. All cells share certain characteristics:

• Enclosed by a membrane that regulates the passage of materials.

• Use DNA as genetic information to direct cellular activities.

Types of Cells

• Prokaryotic Cells: Lack membrane-bound organelles; DNA is not enclosed in a nucleus. Example: Bacteria.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Contain membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus that houses DNA. Example: Animal and plant cells.

Expression and Transmission of Genetic Information

Genetic Code and Heredity

All forms of life use the same genetic code, which is based on heritable information stored in DNA.

• DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that stores genetic information.

• Transmission: Genetic information is passed from parent to offspring during reproduction.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology:

• DNA is transcribed into RNA.

• RNA is translated into protein.

Equation:

$\text{DNA} \xrightarrow{\text{transcription}} \text{RNA} \xrightarrow{\text{translation}} \text{Protein}$

Energy and Matter in Biological Systems

Transformation and Transfer

Life requires the transfer and transformation of energy and matter. Organisms obtain energy from their environment and convert it into forms usable for cellular processes.

• Photosynthesis: Plants convert solar energy into chemical energy.

• Cellular Respiration: Organisms break down molecules to release energy.

Equation (Cellular Respiration):

$\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{Energy}$

Form Fits Function

Structure and Function Relationships

Biological structures are closely related to their functions. Understanding the form of a structure provides insight into its role in the organism.

• Example: The structure of a bird's wing is adapted for flight, illustrating how anatomy supports function.

Course Logistics

Required Materials and Technology

• Textbook: Campbell Biology, UCI custom edition.

• Online Platforms: Canvas for course materials, Mastering Biology for assignments, Poll Everywhere for in-class participation.

Grading Rubric

Component	Points
Assignments (Mastering Biology)	10
Participation (Poll Everywhere)	10
Midterm Exams (Lectures 1-9)	20
Midterm Exams (Lectures 10-19)	20
Final Exam (Lectures 20-27 + cumulative)	40
Total	102

Participation and Attendance

• Attendance in assigned lecture section is required for participation credit.

• Exams are administered via Canvas; students must bring a charged device and student ID.

Study Tips and Resources

Strategies for Success

• Complete readings before class and review lecture notes regularly.

• Engage actively in class and participate in discussions.

• Utilize tutoring services and study groups for additional support.

Student Support Services

• Academic tutoring and peer-led study sessions are available.

• Student Affairs provides wellness, health, and counseling resources.

Next Steps

Preparation for Upcoming Lectures

• Required reading for Lecture 2: Chapter 2 (pp. 28-41) and Chapter 3 (pp. 44-53) from the textbook.