Course objectives

• Explain how the normal human cell is constructed and how it functions.
• Describe the basic principles of DNA structure, synthesis and repair.
• Describe RNA structure, major types of RNA and their function, synthesis of mRNA, and mechanisms of gene regulation.
• Discuss amino acids, protein primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure, and principles of translation and translational control, and basic principles of enzyme function and kinetics.
• Comprehend the basic principles of human inheritance, the molecular basis of inherited disease, and methods to search for human disease genes.
• Comprehend the basic principles of imprinting, cytogenetics, preparing and interpreting a pedigree, genetic regulation of sex determination, and describe the major forms of inherited disease encountered clinically.
• Describe and discuss the major structural compartments, organelles, and cytoskeletal components in the cell and their function.
• Explain the basic principles of intracellular trafficking, and intracellular signaling.
• Provide a basic understanding of membrane structure and function, and basic principles of cell physiology, including cell composition and volume regulation, membrane potential, gated channels, and action potentials.
• Describe how the cells in the body form major types of functional tissue, including epithelium, connective tissue, and muscle. Describe normal histology of human tissues.

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