- Teacher: Kenneth Alpern
- This tutorial will be devoted to a study of protein structure and function.
Basic protein structural elements and features will be discussed to build a framework for understanding the diverse roles of proteins. Both protein-protein and DNA-protein structural interactions will be covered in-depth. Further discussion will include the energetics and forces that govern protein folding.
Protein functions, ranging from structural to catalytic roles, will be studied. Special focus will be placed on the enzymes and consequences of post-translational modification. Proteins of the membrane, cytoskeleton and immune system will be covered to understand function within cellular and organismal contexts.
Finally, methods of examining protein structure and function will be considered. The synthesis tutorial is designed to allow the student (1) to pull together material covered in previous tutorials, (2) to learn new material necessary for the examinations, (3) to apply both old and new material to problems based on experiments in the literature, and (4) to review material not covered in the synthesis tutorial proper.
This synthesis tutorial earns 4 (2) hours credit. Thus, using the traditional formula of “3 out for 1 in,” the student should expect to spend a minimum of 32 hours per week on the synthesis tutorial throughout a 14-week semester, or 448 hours. This tutorial is designed for a 6-week period, followed by five weeks of independent study and three weeks of comprehensive exams.
Molecular cell biology is the study of life, more specifically the molecular basis of life, which is based on the foundations of four classical disciplines: biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and anatomical cell biology. We will combine the principles of these four disciplines to explore the cellular and molecular levels of biological organization. We will investigate the numerous, complex events that occur in the life of a cell. This tutorial is designed to provide an introduction to both the knowledge and the skills necessary for success in molecular biology.
- Teacher: Mark Walters
This tutorial is designed to familiarize the student with the structure and function of cellular membranes. Cellular membranes are dynamic structures, which define the cell or segregate essential cellular functions. The structure of the cellular membranes will be studied as it relates to the function of the membranes. The readings, problem sets, and case studies will provide the basis for an in depth understanding of (1) the role of the plasma membrane in maintaining homeostasis and communication, (2) the role of organelle membranes for the function of these organelles, (3) the techniques used in the scientific community to investigate the cellular membranes and their components, and (4) enhanced written and oral communication skills. This tutorial is designed to prepare the student for the membranes comprehensive examination; however in the process of presenting an inclusive pictures of cellular membranes the student will study topics also presented in the cytoskeleton, enzyme, and cellular metabolism tutorials. Although this tutorial will concentrate on cellular membranes it is intricately linked with the OXS 465 tutorial that studies the biochemistry of macromolecules. There will be combined assignments for these two tutorials to enhance the integration of knowledge acquired by the students.
- Biochemistry is generally defined as “the study of the molecular basis of life.” It is an experimental science, in which a great variety of techniques are used. This tutorial will explore the “molecular basis of life” by examining: 1) the chemical reactions that occur within a cell; 2) the structure and function of the central macromolecules of life (lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins); and 3) the experimental techniques used to elucidate biochemical mechanisms. Specifically, our exploration of biochemistry will emphasize the regulation of biochemical reactions and the interactions of proteins with the other three biomacromolecules. This tutorial is intricately linked with the OXS 430 tutorial that studies membranes. There will be combined assignments for these two tutorials to enhance the integration of knowledge acquired by the student. OXS 465 tutorial will explore biochemical reactions within the cell, involving membranes, the cytoskeleton, molecular genetics, enzymes and cellular metabolism. Thus, the tutorial focuses on the structure and function of macromolecules, enzyme catalysis, metabolism, regulation of gene expression, and cell cycle regulation.
