BioMG 3320, Principles of Biochemistry: Molecular Biology

Spring 2024

Call Auditorium (Kennedy Hall-116), Tu, Th 12:20 PM – 1:10 PM

 Professor:
Yuxin Mao ym253@[Link] 357 Weill Hall

 Graduate Teaching Assistants:

Deana Moffat dmm375@[Link]
Yiting Cao yc2456@[Link]
Mateusz Wagner mmw249@[Link]
Claire McNally cfm58@[Link]

 Undergraduate Teaching Assistants:

Shelly Dong xd89@[Link]
Gabriel Avila Llamas ga269@[Link]

 Description: Comprehensive course in molecular biology that covers the

structure and properties of DNA and RNA, DNA replication and repair,
synthesis and processing of RNA and proteins, the regulation of gene
expression, and the principles and applications of recombinant DNA
technologies, genomics, and proteomics.

 Prerequisite: one majors-level biology course. Prerequisite or co-

requisite: one course in organic chemistry or permission of instructor.

 Review Sessions via Zoom (starting Monday, Jan 29th )

Monday 4 pm-5:30 pm – Will also be recorded and available on Canvas
Zoom Link:
[Link]

 Professor Office Hours:

Yuxin Mao: Fridays 2-3 pm
 TA Office Hours:

Date Time Location TA

Tuesday 1:30-3:00 pm Weill Hall 367 Deana
Wednesday 1:30-3:00 pm Weill Hall 367 Yiting
Thursday 1:30-3:00 pm Biotech 302 Claire
Friday 12:30-2:00 pm Weill Hall 367 Gabriel
Sunday 8:00-9:30 pm Zoom link: Shelly
[Link]
oyVDRQdHJ1QkRMQzNIUnExVW9oUT09
Meeting ID: 991 1752 4809
Passcode: 561552

 Grading:
Grades will be based on your attendance (5%), two in-class prelims (each
20%), and a final exam (55%).

Attendance: There will be a total of 28 lectures. You will get the full 5
pts if you attend 24 out of the 28 lectures. If your attendance is less than
24, for every class you miss, you will lose 1 pt and up to 5 pts.

Prelims and Final: No make-up prelims will be given. If a prelim is

missed due to illness, emergency, or personal circumstance, one prelim
will count for 30% of the grade and the final exam will count for 65% of
the grade. At the end of the course, students who have taken both prelims
will have their final grade calculated by dropping the prelim with the
lowest score if it improves their grade. In that case, the one prelim will
count for 30% and the final for 65%.

 Prelims:
March 5th at class
April 16th at class

 Final Exam:
TBD
 Homework Assignments:
Problem sets are included in the lecture notes or available on Canvas.
These assignments will not be collected; however, some of these
problems, or similar ones, may reappear in prelims or the final. Solutions
for problem sets are available on Canvas and will be discussed during
review sessions or TA office hours.

 Textbook:
“Lehninger: Principles of Biochemistry”, Nelson & Cox, ??th edition.
If you adopt the E-book through the CAMP program, it will automatically show up in the course
materials. If you do not participate in the CAMP program, here is a link where you can purchase
access (with a credit card or PayPal):
[Link]

 Lecture Slides:
Available on Canvas prior to the lecture.

 Materials on Canvas:
General course information
Lecture slides, and notes
Answers to prelims
Problem sets and solutions

 Learning Objectives:
After taking BIOMG 3320, students should be able to:
1. Discuss and describe in writing:
• Nucleic acids: chemical composition, biological function, DNA
sequence evolution; nucleic acid technologies and techniques,
recombinant DNA.
• Genomes: composition, complexity and diversity; sequencing, from
gene fragments to whole-genomes; comparative genomics.
• Chromatin: genome and DNA topology, associated proteins, higher-
order structures.
• DNA replication and recombination: mechanisms, repair, telomeres.
• Transcription: prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms; regulation.
• RNA: classes, processing; non-coding RNA.
 • Translation: genetic code, mechanism; post-translational
modifications.

2. Think analytically and use quantitative reasoning to solve

biochemical problems.
3. Formulate conclusions based on the analysis of biochemical
experimental results.

 Academic Integrity
Each student in this course is expected to abide by the Cornell
University Code of Academic Integrity
([Link] Violations of this policy will be
handled in accordance with the Code of Academic Integrity and will
result in grade penalties.
During examinations, use of notes, books, or cell phones is not
permitted. Talking or discussion is not permitted during the
examinations, nor may you compare papers, copy from others, or
collaborate in any way. Any collaborative behavior during the
examinations will result in failure of the exam and may lead to failure of
the course and University disciplinary action.

 Diversity Statement:
Cornell supports an inclusive learning environment where diversity and
individual differences are understood, respected, appreciated, and
recognized as a source of strength. It is expected that students in this
class will respect differences and demonstrate diligence in
understanding how other peoples’ perspectives, behaviors, and
worldviews may be different from their own.

 Academic Accommodations:
Students with either an ongoing or short-term disability are encouraged
to contact Student Disability Services (SDS) for a confidential
discussion of their needs. Academic accommodations (e.g. extended
time for exams) cannot be granted without a letter from SDS.
SDS is located on Level 5 of the Cornell Health building.
phone: 607-254-4545
 email: sds_cu@[Link]
website: [Link]

 Dealing with Stress

If you are experiencing undue personal or academic stress, or need to
talk with someone about a personal problem or situation, we encourage
you to seek support as soon as possible. We are available to talk with
you about stress related to your work in this class. Additionally, we can
assist you in reaching out to a wide range of campus resources,
including:
• Your college’s Academic Advising Office
([Link]
• Cornell Learning Strategies Center ([Link]
• Cornell Health ([Link]
• Counseling and Psychological Services
([Link]
• Let’s Talk Drop-In Consultation
([Link]
• Peer Support provided by Empathy Assistance and Referral Service

 Lecture outline
Date Lecture Topic
Tues, 23-Jan I Overview – The chemistry of nucleic acids
Thur, 25-Jan II DNA and RNA structures
Tues, 30-Jan III Physical Properties of DNA and RNA
Thur, 1-Feb IV DNA topology 1
Tues, 6-Feb V DNA topology 2
Thur, 8-Feb VI Chromatin and chromosome structure
Tues,13-Feb VII DNA replication 1
Thur, 15-Feb VIII DNA replication 2
Tues, 20-Feb IX DNA repair
Thur, 22-Feb X DNA recombination
February Break
Thur, 29-Feb XI DNA sequencing
Tues, 5-Mar Prelim 1
Thur, 7-Mar XII Genome and Genomics
Tues, 12-Mar XIII RNA & transcription 1
Thur, 14-Mar XIV RNA & transcription 2
Tues, 19-Mar XV RNA processing
Thur, 21-Mar XVI RNA reverse transcription
Tues, 26-Mar XVII Transcription regulation 1
Thur, 28-Mar XVIII Transcription regulation 2
Spring break
Tues, 9-Apr XIX The genetic code
Thur, 11-Apr XX Protein synthesis I
Tues, 16-Apr Prelim 2
Thur, 18-Apr XXI Protein synthesis II
Tues, 23-Apr XXII Protein synthesis III
Thur, 25-Apr XXIII Recombinant DNA Technology I
Tues, 30-Apr XXIV Recombinant DNA Technology II
Thur, 2-May XXV Recombinant DNA Technology III
Tues, 7-May XXVI Review
TBD Final