Molecular biology of the cell

Introduction to the cell: Cell and genomes. Cell chemistry and biosynthesis. Proteins. Basic genetic mechanisms: DNA and chromosomes. DNA replication, repair and recombination. How cells read the genome: from DNA to protein. Control of gene expression. Methods: Manipulating proteins, DNA, and RNA. Visualizing cells. Internal organization of the cell: Membrane structure. Membrane transport of small molecules and the electrical properties of membranes. Intracellular compartments and protein sorting. Intracellular vesicular traffic. Energy conversion - mitochondria and chloroplasts. Cell communication. The cytoskeleton. The cell cycle and programmed cell death. The mechanics of cell division. Cells in their social context: Cell junctions, cell adhesion, and the extracellular matrix. Germs, cells and fertilization. Development of multicellular organisms. Histology: the lives and deaths of cells in tissues. Cancer. Pathogens, infection and innate immunity.