Introduction to Cell Biology – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Introduction to Cell Biology (BES 107B)

Course Overview

This course provides a foundational understanding of cell biology, focusing on the structure and function of cells, the origin of life, and the development of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell lineages. Students will explore energy conversions, compartmentalization of biochemical functions, genetic control of cellular activities, and molecular genetics, with applications in genetic engineering and biotechnology.

• Prerequisites: Biology 30 or equivalent, Science 30 or equivalent, or Biology 100; Chemistry 30 or equivalent or Chemistry 150.

• Co-requisites: Academic Integrity Training 100.

• Credit Value: 3.0

• Delivery: Face-to-Face

Course Resources

Required Resources

• Moodle (CCMS) access for course materials and updates.

• Urry et al. Campbell Biology, 4th Canadian Edition (2025).

Optional Resources

• Access to Mastering Biology (included with textbook purchase).

• Baldwin et al. College Success Concise (OpenStax) – guide for study and work habits.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of the structure of molecules and cells to explain how energy, matter, and information move within and between cells of eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

• Apply laboratory skills to generate data and conduct analyses.

• Demonstrate written communication skills in lab reports and exams.

• Access and interpret scientific literature objectively.

Lecture Topics

Unit	Topic	Textbook Chapters
1	Chemical context for life	2, 3
1	Structure and function of macromolecules	4, 5
1	Membrane structure and function	7
1	Features of the cell	6
1	Cell signalling	11
2	Metabolism & bioenergetics	8
2	Respiration – glycolysis and fermentation	9
3	Mendelian genetics & heritability	14-16
3	DNA replication	16
3	RNA synthesis (transcription)	17
3	Protein synthesis (translation)	17

Key Topic Summaries

Chemical Context for Life

Understanding the chemical basis of life is essential for cell biology. This topic covers the elements and molecules that make up living organisms, focusing on water, carbon compounds, and the principles of chemical bonding.

• Key Point: Life is based on carbon chemistry, with water as the universal solvent.

• Key Point: Chemical bonds (ionic, covalent, hydrogen) determine molecular structure and function.

• Example: Hydrogen bonding in water enables its unique properties, such as cohesion and temperature regulation.

Structure and Function of Macromolecules

Cells are composed of four major classes of macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Each type has distinct structures and functions vital for cellular processes.

• Key Point: Macromolecules are polymers formed from monomers via dehydration synthesis.

• Key Point: Proteins act as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules.

• Example: DNA (a nucleic acid) stores genetic information; enzymes (proteins) catalyze biochemical reactions.

Membrane Structure and Function

Cell membranes are dynamic structures that regulate the movement of substances in and out of cells. The fluid mosaic model describes the arrangement of phospholipids and proteins within the membrane.

• Key Point: Membranes consist of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

• Key Point: Selective permeability allows cells to maintain homeostasis.

• Example: Channel proteins facilitate the transport of ions across the membrane.

Features of the Cell

Cells are the basic units of life, with prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differing in structure and complexity. Organelles perform specialized functions within eukaryotic cells.

• Key Point: Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotes possess a nucleus and organelles.

• Key Point: Organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplasts, and the endoplasmic reticulum are essential for cellular function.

• Example: Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration.

Cell Signalling

Cells communicate through chemical signals, which are detected and interpreted by receptors. Signal transduction pathways convert external signals into cellular responses.

• Key Point: Signal molecules bind to receptors, initiating a cascade of intracellular events.

• Key Point: Second messengers (e.g., cAMP) amplify the signal within the cell.

• Example: Hormones such as insulin regulate glucose uptake via signal transduction.

Metabolism & Bioenergetics

Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions in a cell, including catabolic and anabolic pathways. Bioenergetics studies how cells transform energy, primarily through ATP.

• Key Point: Catabolic reactions break down molecules to release energy; anabolic reactions build complex molecules.

• Key Point: ATP is the universal energy currency of the cell.

• Formula: $\text{ATP} \rightarrow \text{ADP} + \text{P}_i + \text{energy}$

• Example: Cellular respiration converts glucose into ATP.

Respiration – Glycolysis and Fermentation

Cells obtain energy through glycolysis and fermentation under anaerobic conditions, and through aerobic respiration when oxygen is available.

• Key Point: Glycolysis splits glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

• Key Point: Fermentation regenerates NAD+ in the absence of oxygen.

• Formula: $\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 2\text{ADP} + 2\text{P}_i \rightarrow 2\text{C}_3\text{H}_4\text{O}_3 + 2\text{ATP} + 2\text{NADH}$

• Example: Lactic acid fermentation in muscle cells during intense exercise.

Mendelian Genetics & Heritability

Mendelian genetics explains how traits are inherited through discrete units called genes. Heritability quantifies the proportion of trait variation due to genetic factors.

• Key Point: Genes are inherited according to Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment.

• Key Point: Heritability is measured as the ratio of genetic variance to total phenotypic variance.

• Formula: $h^2 = \frac{V_G}{V_P}$

• Example: In pea plants, flower color is determined by alleles inherited from each parent.

DNA Replication

DNA replication is the process by which cells duplicate their genetic material before cell division. It ensures genetic continuity across generations.

• Key Point: DNA replication is semi-conservative, producing two identical daughter molecules.

• Key Point: Enzymes such as DNA polymerase and helicase are essential for replication.

• Formula: $\text{DNA}_{\text{parent}} \rightarrow \text{DNA}_{\text{daughter 1}} + \text{DNA}_{\text{daughter 2}}$

• Example: Replication forks form at origins of replication during S phase of the cell cycle.

RNA Synthesis (Transcription)

Transcription is the process by which RNA is synthesized from a DNA template. This is the first step in gene expression.

• Key Point: RNA polymerase binds to promoter regions and synthesizes mRNA.

• Key Point: mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.

• Formula: $\text{DNA} \xrightarrow{\text{RNA polymerase}} \text{mRNA}$

• Example: Transcription of the hemoglobin gene in red blood cell precursors.

Protein Synthesis (Translation)

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template. This is essential for cellular structure and function.

• Key Point: tRNA molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, matching codons in mRNA.

• Key Point: The sequence of amino acids determines protein structure and function.

• Formula: $\text{mRNA} \xrightarrow{\text{ribosome}} \text{polypeptide}$

• Example: Synthesis of insulin in pancreatic beta cells.

Evaluation Components

Component	Weight	Date
Midterm 1	12%	Wednesday Oct 8th (13:00 - 13:50 PM)
Midterm 2	15%	Wednesday Nov 19th (13:00 - 13:50 PM)
Quizzes/Assignments	12%	Throughout the term
Final Exam	21%	TBA
Lab	40%

Course Policies

• Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized submission are serious offenses. Penalties range from a grade of zero to expulsion.

• Electronic Devices: Phones and other devices must be turned off during class and exams unless permitted by the instructor.

• Attendance: Lab attendance is compulsory. Missing more than two labs results in failure.

• Exams: Photo ID required; exams are in-person and closed book. Students must remain in the exam room for at least 20 minutes.

• Late Assignments: Penalized at 10% per day, up to 3 days. After 3 days, a grade of zero is assigned.

• Deferred Exams: Only granted for illness or extenuating circumstances, with proper documentation.

Grade Levels

Grade Description	Letter Grade	Grade Point Value
Outstanding performance, demonstrating comprehensive understanding and application of the subject matter, full mastery of concepts and methodologies, and ability to analyze and synthesize information at a high level.	A+	4.0
Excellent performance, indicating superior understanding of subject matter and ability to apply concepts and methodologies effectively.	A	4.0
Very good performance, indicating strong grasp of subject matter and analytical ability.	B+	3.3
Good performance, indicating adequate understanding and application of concepts.	B	3.0
Satisfactory performance, demonstrating basic understanding of the subject matter and ability to apply relevant skills.	C	2.0
Failure: Unsatisfactory performance, demonstrating inadequate understanding of the basic subject matter and failure to achieve major objectives of the course.	F	0

Additional Contacts and Services

• Dean of Faculty of Science: Brett Buchanan, PhD (Email: [e-mail])

• Registrar's Office: HA120, [e-mail], [phone]

• Student Life and Learning: [e-mail], [phone]

• Writing Centre: Free consultations for students, staff, and faculty. Book via Online Services.