Course Overview

This syllabus outlines the structure, expectations, and core topics for General Biology I, a foundational college-level biology course. The course covers essential principles of cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology, preparing students for advanced study in biological sciences.

Class Meetings and Structure

• Lecture Section: Main Auditorium, MWF 12:20pm – 1:10pm

• Discussion Sections: Various times and locations; attendance is required and grades are not dropped.

• Review Sessions: Weekly, except during exam weeks, to reinforce lecture material and practice problems.

Textbook and Resources

• Textbook: How Life Works, 4th edition, Morris, 2023

• iClicker: Required for in-class participation and quizzes.

• Online Resources: Course website, iClicker-Cloud, and University Registrar for academic regulations.

Assessment and Grading

Examinations

• Three exams, held on Thursdays at 7:00 pm.

• Make-up exams only in extraordinary circumstances with valid documentation.

Quizzes

• Weekly Friday quizzes based on lecture and reading assignments.

• Lowest quiz score dropped.

Grading Breakdown

Grade Guarantees

Core Topics and Units

Unit 1: Cell Signaling and Control of Cell Division and Differentiation

This unit introduces the mechanisms by which cells communicate and regulate their growth and specialization. Understanding these processes is fundamental to cell biology and development.

• Signal transduction: How external information is transmitted within cells.

• Signal transduction pathway dynamics: Feedback loops and cross-talk.

• Control of cell division: Establishment of cell identity and differentiation.

• Cell signaling and cancer: Dysregulation can lead to uncontrolled growth.

Unit 2: Control of Cell Division

Cell division is tightly regulated to ensure proper growth and development. This unit covers the molecular mechanisms controlling the cell cycle.

• Cell cycle: Series of phases (G1, S, G2, M) leading to cell division.

• Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs): Key regulators of cell cycle progression.

• Checkpoints: Control points ensuring DNA integrity before division.

• Growth regulation: Positive and negative signals affecting cell division.

Unit 3: How Does Cell Division Retain Genome Integrity?

Genome integrity is preserved during cell division through precise mechanisms. This unit explores mitosis and its components.

• Chromosome structure: Organization and packaging of DNA.

• DNA replication: Accurate copying of genetic material.

• Mitotic spindle: Microtubules and motor proteins segregate chromosomes.

• Cytokinesis: Division of cytoplasm to form two daughter cells.

• Genetic recombination: Production of genetically varied gametes.

Unit 4: How Do Specific Patterns of Gene Expression Arise in Development?

Gene expression is regulated at multiple levels to produce specific cell types during development.

• Central dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein

• Transcription: Synthesis of RNA from DNA template.

• Transcription factors: Proteins that regulate gene expression.

• Promoters and enhancers: DNA sequences controlling transcription initiation.

Unit 5: How Does RNA Processing of Primary Transcripts Affect Gene Function and Expression?

RNA processing modifies primary transcripts to produce mature, functional RNA molecules.

• RNA splicing: Removal of introns and joining of exons.

• Alternative splicing: Generates multiple protein variants from a single gene.

• RNA editing: Chemical modifications altering RNA sequence.

Unit 6: How Do Changes in Nucleic Acid Sequences Affect Protein Structure?

Mutations in DNA can lead to changes in protein structure and function, impacting cellular processes.

• Translation: Synthesis of proteins from mRNA template.

• Codon sequence: Determines amino acid sequence.

• Protein folding: Proper folding is essential for function.

Unit 7: Genome Structure

Genomes are organized into functional domains, and comparative genomics reveals evolutionary relationships.

• Comparative genomics: Study of genome structure across species.

• Epigenetic regulation: Modifications affecting gene expression without changing DNA sequence.

Unit 8: Enzyme Kinetics and Protein Function

Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, and their activity is regulated by various factors.

• Enzyme-substrate complex: Formation and breakdown.

• Free energy and conservation of energy:

• Regulation: Coordination of multiple enzyme activities.

Unit 9: Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration converts biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

• Membrane structure: Selective permeability and gradients.

• Electron transport chain: Series of protein complexes transferring electrons.

• ATP synthesis:

• Citric Acid Cycle: Central metabolic pathway.

Unit 10: Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis captures energy from sunlight to produce organic molecules and oxygen.

• Chlorophyll: Pigment absorbing light energy.

• Electron transport and ATP synthase: Generation of ATP and NADPH.

• Calvin cycle:

Unit 11: Sexual Reproduction

Sexual reproduction increases genetic diversity through meiosis and fertilization.

• Meiosis: Reduction division producing haploid gametes.

• Independent assortment and segregation: Generates genetic variation.

• Linkage and mapping: Analysis of gene inheritance.

Unit 12: Sources of Genetic Variation - Mutation and Repair

Genetic variation arises from mutations and DNA repair mechanisms.

• DNA damage and repair: Mechanisms maintaining genome stability.

• Genomic rearrangements: Changes in gene regulation and function.

Unit 13: Cancer

Cancer results from uncontrolled cell growth and evasion of normal regulatory mechanisms.

• Cell cycle control disruption: Leads to tumor formation.

• Resistance to apoptosis: Cells evade programmed cell death.

• Metastasis: Spread of cancer cells to new locations.

• De-differentiation: Loss of specialized cell functions.

Academic Regulations

Students are expected to adhere to university policies regarding attendance, academic integrity, and exam procedures. Refer to the University Registrar for official regulations.

Additional info:

• Some context and explanations have been expanded for clarity and completeness.

• Equations and formulas are provided in LaTeX format for reference.