BIOL 3231
Biochemistry
3.0 Credits
Description
This course covers topics on the structure, function, synthesis, and degradation of macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins). The biochemistry of DNA repair and intracellular transport of proteins will also be covered.
Delivery Method
Paced Online Cohort.
Prerequisites
BIOL 3131 (previously BISC 313) is strongly recommended (with a minimum of a C).
Objectives
After you have completed the work in this course, you will be able to:
- Compare and contrast the polysaccharides used for energy storage with those having a structural function. Describe how these macromolecules are synthesized and discuss metabolic control
- Describe how the structure of triacylglycerols (TAGs) and membrane lipids suit their respective functions and explain how they are synthesized.
- Describe the three components of a nucleotide and describe the structure of nucleic acids.
- Explain the process of DNA synthesis, including initiation and processing in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Describe how mutations arise and how DNA is repaired.
- Describe how RNA is synthesized from DNA (the process of transcription).
- Compare and contrast how prokaryotes and eukaryotes regulate their gene expression.
- Describe how proteins are synthesized from mRNA. Discuss the functions of ribosomes and tRNA in the process of translation.
- Explain how proteins fold and how their form suits their function and describe common secondary structure elements
- Describe how proteins are transported to their cellular locations.
- Explain the importance of protein degradation and describe how it occurs
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and Communicate your critique effectively
- Demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively
Course Outline
The following topics will be covered in this course:
- Polysaccharides
- Lipids
- Enzymes
- DNA Synthesis
- Mutation and Repair
- DNA Technologies
- RNA synthesis
- Protein synthesis
- Protein Form and Function
- Protein Transport
Maximum Completion
12 Weeks.
Required Text and Materials
This is a companion course to BIOL 3131.
If you have taken BIOL 3131 you would have received the textbook 'Principles of Biochemistry'. If you do not have this textbook, you will need to source it on your own or go through Student Services contact OLMaterials@tru.ca or phone 1.888.663.1653.
Nelson, D., and Cox, M. .
Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry. 5th ed.. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company, 2009.
Type: Textbook, ISBN: 978-0-7167-7108-1
Additional Requirements
For details about the equipment and resources you will need for this course, see "Web-based Courses Delivered by TRU-OL" at http://www.tru.ca/distance/services/online_courses.html#web.
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Primary communication is through the "Mail" tool on Blackboard. You will receive the necessary contact information when you start your course.
Assessment
Grades will be assigned on the following basis:
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