Foundations of Cell and Molecular Biology for B.Tech Biotechnology

Course Duration: 8 Weeks (2 hours of live online sessions per week + independent study)

Course Goal: To provide B.Tech Biotechnology students with a strong foundational understanding of the fundamental principles governing the structure, function, and interactions of cells and their molecular components. This course will equip students with the essential knowledge required for advanced studies and practical applications in biotechnology.

Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the basic structural and functional organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Explain the key processes involved in the central dogma of molecular biology (DNA replication, transcription, and translation).
• Understand the principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics, including gene regulation.
• Discuss the structure and function of major biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids).
• Explain the mechanisms of cellular communication, signaling, and transport.
• Describe the basics of cell growth, division, and the cell cycle.
• Understand the fundamental concepts of recombinant DNA technology and its applications.
• Analyze and interpret basic experimental data related to cell and molecular biology.

Course Structure:

Week 1: Introduction to Cellular Life and Biomolecules

• Introduction to the course, learning objectives, and expectations.
• The characteristics of life and the basic unit of life: the cell.
• Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells: structure and key differences.
• Overview of major biomolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids – their basic structures and functions.

Week 2: Nucleic Acids and the Central Dogma - DNA Replication

• Structure of DNA and RNA: building blocks, double helix, different types of RNA.
• Chromosomes and genome organization in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• The central dogma of molecular biology: DNA → RNA → Protein.
• DNA replication: semi-conservative model, enzymes involved (DNA polymerase, helicase, ligase), and the process in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Week 3: The Central Dogma - Transcription and RNA Processing

• Transcription: the process of RNA synthesis, RNA polymerases, initiation, elongation, and termination in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• RNA processing in eukaryotes: capping, splicing, and polyadenylation.
• Different types of RNA and their functions (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA).

Week 4: The Central Dogma - Translation and Protein Structure

• Translation: the process of protein synthesis, ribosomes, tRNA, genetic code, initiation, elongation, and termination.
• Post-translational modifications of proteins.
• Protein structure: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary levels. The relationship between protein structure and function.

Week 5: Mendelian Genetics and Gene Regulation

• Basic principles of Mendelian inheritance: laws of segregation and independent assortment.
• Gene interactions and extensions of Mendelian inheritance.
• Introduction to gene regulation in prokaryotes (operon model) and eukaryotes (transcriptional control, RNA processing, translational control).

Week 6: Cell Structure and Function - Membranes and Transport

• Structure and function of the plasma membrane: lipid bilayer, membrane proteins, and their roles.
• Mechanisms of transport across membranes: passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport, osmosis.
• Vesicular transport: endocytosis and exocytosis.

Week 7: Cell Structure and Function - Organelles and Cell Communication

• Structure and function of major eukaryotic organelles: nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes.
• Cellular communication: signaling molecules, receptors, and basic signaling pathways (e.g., G protein-coupled receptors, enzyme-linked receptors).

Week 8: Cell Growth, Division, and Introduction to Recombinant DNA Technology

• The cell cycle: interphase and M phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).
• Regulation of the cell cycle.
• Introduction to recombinant DNA technology: basic principles of gene cloning, restriction enzymes, vectors, and applications.

Teaching Methodology:

• Interactive Live Online Sessions: Lectures incorporating visual aids, discussions, and Q&A sessions.
• Assigned Readings: Relevant chapters from textbooks and scientific articles.
• Short Quizzes: Regular quizzes to assess understanding of key concepts.
• Assignments: Problem-solving exercises and short research tasks.
• Optional Discussion Forums: Platform for student interaction and clarification of doubts.