BIOL 306(S) Cellular Regulatory Mechanisms
This course explores the regulation of cellular function and gene expression
from a perspective that integrates current paradigms in molecular genetics, signal transduction, and genomics. Topics include: transcriptional and post-transcriptional control, chromatin regulation of gene silencing and imprinting,
chromosome instability, prions and other self-perpetuating protein conformations, protein degradation, and organellar and cytoskeletal dynamics. A central
feature of the course will be discussion of articles from the primary literature.
The laboratory will consist of a semester-long research project that integrates recombinant DNA techniques with genomic tools to investigate unanswered
questions in eukaryotic cell biology using yeast as a model organism.
Format: lecture/discussion/laboratory. Evaluation will be based on three take-
home tests, in-class discussion of papers, the laboratory notebook, and a grant
proposal.
Prerequisites: Biology 202. Enrollment limit: 24 (expected: 15). Preference given to Biology majors.