Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell 1

The course “Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Cell 1” is a continuation of the first-semester course “From Molecules to Cells,” which laid the structural foundations of living organisms. In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of biochemistry, replication, transcription, translation, intracellular movements, and bioenergetics.

This course unit will be supplemented by course unit HAV204V for L1 SVSE students.

It will be followed by the L1 TEE and L1 Chemistry programs.

- Knowledge related to biochemistry:

This section of the course covers the basics of biochemistry by introducing the four classes of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids). For each class, the structure of the basic molecules (amino acids, nucleotides, simple sugars, fatty acids, etc.) will be discussed. This overview will then be expanded to include more complex structures (proteins, DNA or RNA, complex sugars, triglycerides, phospholipids, biological membranes, etc.). The physicochemical properties of the basic molecules and macromolecules will also begin to be discussed.

- Knowledge related to cell biology:

- Understand the general processes of replication, transcription, and translation in eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses.

- Understand cytotactic movements, membrane transport, and movements within the internal membrane system.

- Learn the basics of bioenergetics (cellular respiration and photosynthesis)

- Expertise:

- Apply knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology to address a problem in the field or analyze experimental data (including micrographs).

- Take size measurements using a magnifying glass or a scale bar

- Distinguish between different organelles using specific stains in photonic microscopy

- Distinguish between different organelles in electron micrographs

- Be able to identify a cell undergoing mitosis

- For all molecules studied in the biochemistry section: be able to recognize and write their formulas, name them, distinguish between different isomers, identify different chemical groups and their physicochemical properties, as well as areas of flexibility and rigidity, and perform calculations regarding the charge state of ionizable molecules.

- Be able to identify and write condensation and hydrolysis reactions

- be able to distinguish between the main chain and side chains of a peptide; be able to interpret a Ramachandran plot; be able to calculate the percentage of identity between two protein sequences; be able to interpret images illustrating protein structures

- Synthesize one's knowledge in order to apply it in writing

Recommended prerequisites*:

High School Curriculum: General Chemistry Course (S1), “From Molecules to Cells” Course (S1), and Organic Chemistry Course (S2): 1) Basic concepts of the covalent structure of organic molecules and their noncovalent interactions. 2) Basic concepts of isomerism. 3) Acid-base equilibria, pH, pKa, and regions of predominance. 4) General basic concepts of biological macromolecules.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 6:00 p.m.

            TD: 6:00 p.m.

            Practical Work:

            Lot: