Molecular Basis of Cell Biology I

This course will cover the chemical and physical properties of macromolecules and how these properties dictate function. Areas discussed include: strength and properties of chemical bonds; physical principles involved in separation of macromolecules; protein folding and conformation and how proteins function as enzymes and as structural elements; kinetic analysis of reaction rates and affinities between macromolecules; regulation of purine metabolism; physical and chemical properties of nucleic acids; chemical mechanisms of RNA splicing; lipid biosynthesis, membrane biosynthesis and organization, transport of molecules through lipid bilayers; and specificity of interaction between macromolecules. Prerequisite: organic chemistry.