Reference books, periodicals, and texts pertinent to molecular biology are available in both the biology and the chemistry libraries. Courses 504 Cellular Biochemistry Fred M. Hughson, Jean E. Schwarzbauer, M. Gerald Waters Cell structure and function are examined with an emphasis on the molecules and molecular assemblies that underlie it. We will also discuss mechanisms cells use to integrate information derived from the extracellular matrix, growth factors, and neighboring cells. A major focus of the class is on learning to parse and discuss papers from the primary literature. 505 Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes Thomas J. Silhavy Advanced-level discussions of the genetics and molecular biology of prokaryotic organisms and their associated bacteriophages are studied.
Emphasis is placed on original research papers, and extensive reading is required.
Topics include the genetic code, mutagenesis, mechanisms of DNA replication, recombination, repair and transposition, gene structure and function and mechanisms of gene regulation, and protein synthesis and export. 506 Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes Paul Schedl, Virginia Zakian Discussion of gene structure and organization, chromatin and chromosome structures, mechanisms of replication and recombination, and mechanisms of gene expression and regulation in eukaryotic cells are studied. Emphasis is placed on unique features of eukaryotic systems, with examples given from higher and lower eukaryotes. Selected topics in the cell biology and development of multicellular organisms, with an emphasis on basic principles and underlying molecular mechanisms. Topics include gradients and pattern formation during embryogenesis, receptors and intracellular signaling, cell motility and cell movements, neuronal pathfinding and patterning in the vertebrate neural tube, genetic redundancy and genomic organization.