BIOL 110: Molecules & Cells – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

BIOL 110: Molecules & Cells is an introductory biology course designed for science and allied health majors. It covers foundational biological principles, focusing on the molecular and cellular basis of life. The course prepares students for advanced studies in biology and related fields by emphasizing scientific inquiry, evolution, and the structure and function of living organisms at the molecular and cellular levels.

Course Objectives

• Apply scientific principles and assumptions to understand biological information.

• Interpret and analyze scientific data and patterns using illustrations and laboratory results.

• Use laboratory equipment and perform basic techniques safely and effectively.

• Demonstrate understanding of the structure and function of cells and their components.

• Explain the chemical basis of life and the organization of living matter.

• Describe the processes of cellular metabolism, including photosynthesis and respiration.

• Understand the molecular basis of inheritance and gene expression.

• Evaluate scientific sources and communicate scientific information clearly.

Main Topics and Subtopics

Chemistry of Life

• Atoms and Molecules: Basic units of matter, atomic structure, and chemical bonding.

• Types of Chemical Bonds: Covalent, ionic, and hydrogen bonds.

• Properties of Water: Polarity, cohesion, adhesion, and its role as a universal solvent.

• Carbon Chemistry: Carbon's versatility in forming diverse organic molecules.

Macromolecules

• Carbohydrates: Structure, function, and types (monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides).

• Lipids: Fats, phospholipids, and steroids; their roles in energy storage and membrane structure.

• Proteins: Amino acids, levels of protein structure, and functions (enzymes, transport, signaling).

• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA structure and function in genetic information storage and transfer.

Cell Structure and Function

• Microscopy: Types of microscopes and their uses in studying cells.

• Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells: Key differences in structure and function.

• Cell Organelles: Structure and function of the nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and cytoskeleton.

• Cell Membrane: Structure (phospholipid bilayer), fluid mosaic model, and membrane transport mechanisms.

Cellular Metabolism

• Enzymes: Biological catalysts, enzyme-substrate specificity, and factors affecting enzyme activity.

• Cellular Respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain, and ATP production.

• Photosynthesis: Light-dependent and light-independent reactions, chlorophyll, and energy conversion.

Genetics and Molecular Biology

• DNA Replication: Semi-conservative mechanism, key enzymes, and replication fork.

• Gene Expression: Transcription (DNA to RNA) and translation (RNA to protein).

• Regulation of Gene Expression: Operons, transcription factors, and epigenetic modifications.

• Mendelian Genetics: Laws of inheritance, Punnett squares, and genetic crosses.

• Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance: Chromosome structure, mutations, and genetic disorders.

Scientific Inquiry and Laboratory Skills

• Scientific Method: Observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, data analysis, and conclusion.

• Measurement and Data Analysis: Use of laboratory equipment, units of measurement, and graphing data.

• Lab Safety: Proper use of personal protective equipment and safe laboratory practices.

Sample Table: Comparison of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Feature	Prokaryotic Cells	Eukaryotic Cells
Nucleus	Absent	Present
Membrane-bound Organelles	Absent	Present
Size	Small (1-10 μm)	Larger (10-100 μm)
Examples	Bacteria, Archaea	Plants, Animals, Fungi, Protists

Key Equations and Concepts

• Photosynthesis:

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$

• Cellular Respiration:

$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{ATP}$

• Genotype Ratio (Mendelian Monohybrid Cross):

$1:2:1$

• Phenotype Ratio (Mendelian Monohybrid Cross):

$3:1$

Additional Information

• Academic Integrity: Students are expected to uphold standards of honesty and avoid plagiarism or cheating.

• Netiquette: Proper online communication etiquette is required for all course-related interactions.

• Evaluation: Grades are based on assignments, quizzes, exams, laboratory practicals, and participation.

• Lab Safety: Adherence to safety protocols, including wearing appropriate clothing and using protective equipment, is mandatory.

Additional info: The syllabus provides a detailed schedule of lecture and lab topics, aligning closely with the standard General Biology curriculum as outlined in the provided chapter list. The course emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills essential for further studies in biology and health sciences.