Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes and compounds, such as cellular makeup, that bring about life in organisms. This course will look at how these formed biomolecules interact and produce many of life's necessary processes. Also it will look at the most commonly used techniques in biochemistry research. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: recognize and describe the structure of the following basic biomolecules: nucleic acids, amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates; diagram how these basic biomolecules are used as building blocks for more complex biomolecules; differentiate between reactions that create biomolecules; describe how these biomolecules are used in specific cellular pathways and processes; analyze how feedback from one pathway influences other pathways; explain how energy is utilized by a cell; indicate how biomolecules and pathways are regulated; describe how enzymes play a key role in catalysis; assess which biochemical technique should be used to study a given biochemical problem. (Biology 401; See also: Chemistry 109)

The Biology course is a first-year course in biology at the high school level and involves the scientific study of living organisms. The course considers the interactions among the vast number of organisms that inhabit planet Earth. It presents the basic form and function of these organisms, from cells to organ systems, from simple viruses to complex humans. It delves into interactions between organisms, and between an organism and its environment. It also looks into how biotechnology is used to improve our health and daily lives.

- Understand the form and function of microorganisms
- Understand the form and function of plants
- Understand the form and function of animals
- Understand the workings of human biological systems
- Understand biology as it relates to the Earth's environment

In this lesson, the students look at the components of cells and their functions. The lesson focuses on the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Each part of the cell performs a specific function that is vital for the cell's survival. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are very important to engineers. Engineers can use bacteria to break down toxic materials in a process called bioremediation, and they can also kill or disable harmful bacteria through disinfection.

The need to identify sustainable forms of energy as an alternative to our dependence on depleting worldwide oil reserves is one of the grand challenges of our time. The energy from the sun converted into plant biomass is the most promising renewable resource available to humanity. This seminar will examine each of the critical steps along the pathway towards the conversion of plant biomass into ethanol. This course is one of many Advanced Undergraduate Seminars offered by the Biology Department at MIT. These seminars are tailored for students with an interest in using primary research literature to discuss and learn about current biological research in a highly interactive setting. Many instructors of the Advanced Undergraduate Seminars are postdoctoral scientists with a strong interest in teaching.

This activity is a lab investigation in which students design and conduct experiments using pineapple juice containing the enzyme bromelain and its affect on the substrate gelatin found in Jell-O. The focus of student driven investigations are on enzyme specificity, activity and the impact of environmental factors on enzyme functioning. Based on the original activities from School Improvement in Maryland; "Pineapple/Jell-O Lab," Access Excellence Activities Exchange; "Enzyme Labs Using Jell-O" by Anne McDonald and Michael O'Hare, and AP & Regents Biology; "Lab 8: Pineapple Enzymes and Jell-O Molds" by Kim B. Foglia.

Physiology is the study of the processes of the body. This course is about the unconscious mechanics of living; the student will look at each organ system in detail and then discuss the ways in which the systems interact in order to maintain the body at an optimal state. Metabolism and homeostasis--or the maintenance of the body at a set, optimal level--will be the primary themes. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: describe the relationship between structure and function at the cellular level and relate dysfunctional states of health to problems at the cellular level when appropriate; given relevant physiological information, explain the physiological mechanisms involved; describe the concepts of homeostasis and feedback control in relationship to each organ system; use a vocabulary of physiological terms and demonstrate an ability to communicate efficiently in a medical environment; describe techniques currently in use that measure the function of organ systems. (Biology 304)

This course provides a brief introduction to the field of biocatalysis in the context of process design. Fundamental topics include why and when one may choose to use biological systems for chemical conversion, considerations for using free enzymes versus whole cells, and issues related to design and development of bioconversion processes. Biological and engineering problems are discussed as well as how one may arrive at both biological and engineering solutions.

Students are asked to develop a procedure for the determination of the amount of ascorbic acid in fresh and boiled cabbage tissue. In order to accurately determine the ascorbic acid content, students must take into consideration the following: a representative sample, aliquots, the boiling procedure, the presence of the enzyme ascorbic acid oxidase, and the release of ascorbate into the boiling water.

These laboratory exercises should be used to teach the basic properties of enzyme activity, including the effects of temperature, enzyme concentrations, and substrate concentrations.

You can browse the eleven steps of anaerobic glycolysis and view three kinds of information: reaction data (the enzyme, reaction type and thermodynamic data), equation and animation.

Glükoosi anaeroobne lagundamine etappide kaupa. Üleminekud, reaktsiooni vaheühendid, üldinfo ning lühike animatsioon molekulimudelitega. Sobib ainevahetuse käsitlemisel üldbioloogias.

You can browse the eleven steps of anaerobic glycolysis and view three kinds of information: reaction data (the enzyme, reaction type and thermodynamic data), equation and animation.