Biologia Molecular - Curso

Molecular Biology Course Contents

• Macromolecules: Structure and function of DNA, RNA, and protein.
• Genetic Information: Genome, chromosome, operon, gene, and codon.
• Genetic Material: Viral genome, prokaryotic genome, and eukaryotic genome.
• Flow of Genetic Information: DNA and RNA replication, gene expression (transcription, RNA maturation, translation, post-translational modifications, and regulation).
• Cell Division: In prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• Biological Macromolecules: Polymers (macromolecules) like polysaccharides, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are composed of monomers (subunits) such as simple sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, and nucleotides. Condensation reactions create polymers by linking monomers, and hydrolysis reactions break polymers down.
• Protein Classification of Amino Acids: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and approximately 500 amino acids are known. Only 20 amino acids are used in coding genetic information. They behave as zwitterions in solution. They are classified based on their properties. alpha-amino acids and beta-amino acids. Beta-amino acids are not found in ribosomally synthesized proteins. Each amino acid has an R group attached to a central alpha-carbon, and this R group determines the amino acid's unique chemical properties.
• Protein Structure: Primary structure is the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. The polypeptide chain has a carboxyl terminus (C-terminus) and an amino terminus (N-terminus). Secondary structure includes alpha-helices and beta-sheets, which are formed by hydrogen bonds between amino acid backbones. Tertiary structure describes the overall three-dimensional shape of the protein. This shape is determined by interactions between the amino acid side chains (R-groups). Quaternary structure occurs when two or more polypeptide chains interact to form a larger protein complex.
• Protein Domains, Motifs, and Functions: Domains in proteins are semi-independent parts with functional units within proteins. Motifs are repeated structural elements or amino acid combinations. Proteins have diversified functions, including enzymatic activities, signal reception, transport, storage, structural support, nutritional roles, immune response regulation, and regulatory activities. Examples of protein functions include enzymes like RUBISCO, signal receptors like rhodopsin, transport proteins like hemoglobin, and structural proteins like actin and myosin. Proteins like insulin and immunological proteins also fulfill hormonal and protective roles.
• Conjugated Molecules: Glycoproteins, glycolipids, lipoproteins, and nucleoproteins are examples of larger structures formed by joining proteins to other biomolecules like carbohydrates, lipids, or nucleic acids.