Lahore University of Management Sciences
Molecular Biology (BIO216)
Fall 2013
Instructor
Room No.
Office Hours
Email
Telephone
Secretary/TA
TA Office Hours
Course URL (if any)
Dr. Sohail A. Qureshi
Room 10-507
TBA
[email protected];
X-8349
Haris Manzoor
NA
Course Basics
Credit Hours
Lecture(s)
Recitation/Lab (per week)
Tutorial (per week)
Three (3)
Nbr of Lec(s) Per Week
Nbr of Lec(s) Per Week
Nbr of Lec(s) Per Week
Course Distribution
Core
Elective
Open for Student Category
Close for Student Category
Yes (for undergraduate students majoring or minoring in Biology)
Yes for all others
Biology majors and minors
Others
Two (2)
NA
NA
Duration
Duration
Duration
75 minutes
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to molecular biology and is designed for students interested in learning molecular
mechanisms which control cellular processes in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Topics include structure of nucleic acids and proteins, organization
of genes, genomes, chromatin and chromosomes, DNA replication, repair, recombination, transcription, mRNA processing, protein synthesis and
turnover, control of gene expression, signal transduction pathways, non-coding RNAs, evolution of biopolymers and origin of life.
COURSE PREREQUISITE(S)
Introductory Biology (BIO101)
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objective of this course is to impart foundational knowledge and essential concepts in molecular biology to students.
Learning Outcomes
After taking this course students should:
Be knowledgeable about the structure of nucleic acids and proteins, and how genomes are organized in bacteria and
eukaryotes
Understand specific roles of different proteins involved in cellular processes such as gene transcription, DNA replication &
repair, protein synthesis etc.
Understand mechanisms through which expression of genes is turned regulated in bacteria, viruses and eukaryotes
Be aware of quality control systems that work in concert in order to minimize errors as well as dampen genetic noise
Lahore University of Management Sciences
Grading Breakup and Policy
Quiz(s): 10%
Exam-1: 25%
Midterm Examination (Exam-2): 25%
Final Examination (Exam-3): 40%
Examination Detail
Midterm
Exam
Yes/No: Yes
Combine Separate: Combined
Duration: 2 hours
Preferred Date: None
Exam Specifications: Combination of multiple choice and short answer questions (no exam booklets required)
Final Exam
Yes/No: Yes
Combine Separate: Combined
Duration: 2 hours
Exam Specifications: Combination of multiple choice and short answer questions (no exam booklets required)
Lecture Schedule
Date
Lecture #: Topic(s)
Reading
1. Introduction Biodiversity, Cells & Genomes
Chapter 1: 1-42
2, 3. Cell Chemistry & Proteins (2 sessions)
Chapter 2: 45-65
Panel 2:106-11 & 118-119
Chapter 3: 125-152, 171-177
4, 5. DNA & RNA structure; Chromatin & chromosomes
(2 sessions)
Chapter 4: 195-219, 233-235,
Figure 4-72 on p244
6. Transcription-I
Chapter 6: 329-339
7. Transcription-II; mRNA modification and Processing
Chapter 6: 339-366
EXAM-1 (covering lectures 1-7)
8. Translation
Chapter 6: 366-387
9. Protein folding and turnover
RNA world and Origin of Life
Chapter 6: 387-399
Chapter 6: 400-409
10. DNA Replication-I
Chapter 4: 263-280
11. DNA Replication-II
Chapter 4: 281-294
12. DNA Damage & Repair
Chapter 5: 295-304 + Readings
13. DNA Recombination & Transposition
Chapter 5: 304-322
EXAM-2 (MID-TERM; covering lectures 8-13)
14. Control of gene expression-I (general)
Chapter 7: 411-432
15. Control of gene expression-II (bacteria)
Chapter 7: 432-440 + Readings
16. Control of gene expression-III (bacteriophage)
Reading material posted on LMS
17. Cell signaling and communication
Chapter 15: 879-954
18, 19. Control of gene expression-IV (eukaryotes)
(2 sessions)
Chapter 7: 440-477
20. Post-transcriptional controls
Chapter 7: 477-497
21. Non-coding RNAs
Reading material posted on LMS
Lahore University of Management Sciences
22. Molecular biology of mitochondria and chloroplasts Chapter 14: 855-870 + Readings
23. Molecular biology of extremophilic archaea
Reading material posted on LMS
24. Methods-I (studying cells & proteins)
Chapter 8: 501-532
25. Methods-II (manipulating DNA)
Chapter 8: 532-552
26. Cancer
Chapter 20: 1205-1267
FINAL EXAM (covering lectures 14-26)
Textbook(s)/Supplementary Readings
th
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Alberts et al. 2008 - 5 Edition).
Genes IX (Lewin 2008)
th
Molecular Biology of the Gene (Watson et al. 2004 5 Edition)
