Structural and functional aspects of the cell considered in depth, emphasizing the cell as a dynamic system. Role of cell division, DNA replication and transcription in differentiation considered, and comparisons of molecular processes in evolution and development made. Lectures and discussions include a brief historical account of early research in bioenergetics, general thermodynamic considerations, fermentation, aerobic glycolysis and substrate level phophorylation, citric acid cycle, respiratory chain, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and respiratory control, photosynthesis, the proposed molecular mechanisms for coupling electron transport to phosphorylation in various biological and related model systems, theories of energy transduction and metabolic control in living systems, active transport, and muscular contraction. Emphasizes major discoveries, controversies, and unanswered questions concerning the living state, rather than surveying existing factual information. Lectures are presented on stimulus-response coupling, molecular biology, enzyme kinetics, and behavioral pharmacology.
Students make class presentations on selected topics, and a term paper is required.
This course focuses on an analyses of receptors and associated signal transduction mechanisms. Structural and functional studies include emphasis on the molecular characterization of receptors and signaling molecules as determined from cloned gene sequences. Materials are derived from recent literature and symposia. The format is an interactive lecture style and emphasizes a comprehensive formulation of the most recent research in the field. Offered in alternate years.