BIOL 412(S) Biochemical Regulatory Mechanisms
All biological systems are subject to regulation; in recent years, we have come to understand a great deal about a wide range of regulatory systems. This course, which will explore the biochemical mechanisms by which regulatory molecules control cellular processes, is designed to provide a synthetic view of regulatory events in the living cell. Topics will include the cell cycle; regulation by the neuroendocrine system at the molecular level, including the chemical structure of hormones, growth factors, and other regulatory molecules, cell surface interactions, cell signaling, and mechanisms of action of regulatory molecules; and the molecular mechanisms of cancer, with the aim of describing cancer as a derangement of normal regulatory events that control cell growth, division, and differentiation. Class discussions will focus on readings in the original literature. Discussions: three hours a week. Evaluation will be based on class participation and short papers. Prerequisite: Biology 202.