Department of Biology

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

University of the Philippines Manila

BIOLOGY 150
Introduction to Molecular Cell Biology

COURSE DESCRIPTION
A study of the fundamental concepts in eukaryotic cell structure and function, including:
1) the molecular basis of cellular properties and action, 2) bioenergetics, 3) the dynamic
character of cellular organelles, 4) the regulation of cellular processes; and 5) an introduction
to modern techniques for studying cells and molecules.

COURSE CREDITS: 4 units

PREREQUISITES: Chem. 40, Chem. 40.1, Bio 140

COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Describe the structure and properties of the cell in terms of its molecular
components,
2. Explain the principles of techniques used to study the cell,
3. Integrate common themes and unifying mechanisms utilized by the cell,
4. Analyze experimental data,
5. Explain the significance of cell and molecular biology in medicine, agriculture and
other fields; and
6. Apply biosafety and bioethical principles in the conduct of cell and molecular biology
research.

LECTURE COURSE OUTLINE

Topics
I. Introduction to the Cell
A. The Cell Theory
B. Prokaryotes and
Eukaryotes
C. Evolution of the Cell
Behavioral Objectives: At the end of the session, the
students should be able to --
- state and explain the cell theory
- compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic
cells
- discuss and cite evidence of the various theories of
cell evolution
- identify and describe the functions of subcellular
structures in a eukaryotic cell

II. Techniques Used to Study - differentiate the different types of microscopes in

Cells and Biomolecules
A. Microscopy
B. Fractionation and
Purification Techniques
C. Recombinant DNA and
Genomics
terms of principles and applications
- discuss and differentiate the various techniques in
cell and molecular biology
- cite specific applications of the various techniques
- discuss biosafety and bioethical issues in cell and
molecular biology research

First Lecture Examination

III. Eukaryotic Cell Structure
and Function - explain the properties and functions of membranes
A. Plasma Membrane in terms of their molecular structure
 - differentiate the types of cell junctions
- differentiate the types of transport proteins
B. Energy - compare and contrast photosynthesis and
Transformation respiration
- describe the molecular structure of mitochondria
C. Protein Sorting and chloroplasts
- explain the molecular mechanisms involved in
protein sorting and cell signaling
D. Cytoskeleton - discuss the structures and functions of
microtubules, intermediate filaments and
microfilaments.
- cite biomedical conditions resulting from defects in
the molecular structure of the cell

Second Lecture Exam

IV. Regulation of the Cell - discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in cell
Cycle signaling and cell cycle regulation
A. Cell Signalling - differentiate normal cells from cancer cells
B. Cancer - explain the genetic basis of cancer
1. Characteristics of cancer differentiate oncogenes from tumor suppressor genes
cells
2. Oncogenes and Tumor
suppressor genes
Third Lecture Exam

LABORATORY ACTIVITIES
Students will be provided with exercises pertaining to :
1. Basic Instrumentation and Techniques
2. Nucleic Acids
3. Proteins
4. Biotechnology
5. Bioinformatics
6. DNA Microarray

RECOMMENDED REFERENCES:
Alberts, B., D.Bray, J. Lewis, M.Raff, K. Robert, and J. Watson. 1994. Molecular Biology of the
Cell. Garland Pub.
Aquino-Bordallo, M. C. 2004. Notes on Molecular Cell Biology. University of the Philippines
Manila.
Becker, W., L.Kelinsmith and J, Hardin. The World of the Cell. 2004. 5th edition.
Benjamin-Cummins Publishing.
Karp, Gerald, 1999. Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments. John Wiley and
Sons. Inc.
Lodish, H., B . Arnold, S.L. Zipursky, P. Matsudaira, D. Baltimore and J. Darnell. 2000.
Molecular Cell Biology. W. H. Freeman and Co.
Wolfe, Stephen, L. 1995. An Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology. Wadsworth Pub. Co.

LECTURE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING

Three (3) Long Examinations 75 %
Quizzes 10 %
Group activities/assignments 12.5%
Deportment 2.5%

1. A student whose grade is 70 and above based on the above requirements will be
exempted from taking the final examination. The computed grade becomes the final
grade.
2. A student whose grade is below 70 based on the above requirements will take the final
examination. The final grade will then be computed as the sum of 20% of the final
examination and 80% of the pre-final grade.
3. Quizzes may be given at the beginning, middle or end of the class. As per department
policy, there will be no make-up for missed quizzes.
4. A make-up exam will be given for only one missed exam. A written request for a
make-up exam with the endorsement of the students program adviser and proof of valid
reason for missing the exam should be presented immediately upon the students return
to class.
5. Grading scale
93 100 = 1.00 75 79 = 2.25
90 92 = 1.25 70 74 = 2.50
87 89 = 1.50 65 69 = 2.75
84 86 = 1.75 60 64 = 3.00
80 83 = 2.00 54 59 = 4.00 conditional, need to take
removal exam
53 and below = 5.00 Fail