CHEM 321(F) Biochemistry I-Structure and Function of Biological Molecules (Same as Biology 321 and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 321)
This course introduces the basic concepts of biochemistry with an emphasis on the structure and function of biological macromolecules. Specifically, the structures of proteins and nucleic acids are examined in detail in order to determine how their chemical properties and their biological behavior result from those structures. Other topics include enzyme kinetics, mechanism of catalysis and regulation; the molecular organization and expression of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes; and the principles of recombinant DNA technologies. In addition, the principles and applications of the methods used to characterize macromolecules in solution and the interactions between macromolecules are discussed. The laboratory provides an opportunity to study the structure of macromolecules and to learn the fundamental experimental techniques of biochemistry including electrophoresis and chromatography. Lectures: three hours a week; laboratory: four hours a week. Evaluation is based on two short exams, a final exam, problem sets, and performance in the laboratories including lab reports. Prerequisites: Chemistry 202 and Biology 101.