MCB 4403

Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function

Dr. Julie Maupin-Furlow
Department of Microbiology and Cell Science
University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0700

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COURSE DESCRIPTION:

MCB 4403.  Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function. Credits: 3; Prereq: CHM 2211; MCB 3020, MCB 3020L with C or better. It is recommended that BCH 4024 or CHM 4207 be taken before or concurrent with MCB 4403. This course explores the structure and physiology of bacterial cells.  The principles of energy and biosynthetic metabolism will be examined in aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms.  Several current research topics in microbiology will also be covered including quorum sensing, proteases, chaperones, and microbes in extreme environments.  Topics in microbial biotechnology will be discussed such as improvement of biological ethanol production and bioremediation. 

 

COURSE INSTRUCTOR:   Dr. Julie A. Maupin-Furlow     

 

MCB4403 WEB PAGE:        http://maupin.ifas.ufl.edu/maupin/MCB4403.htm

 

OFFICE HOURS:                  Tuesday 11:45 AM - 1 PM

                                                Thursday 12:45 PM - 2 PM or by appointment

Rm. 1153 Microbiology and Cell Science Building (#981)

                                                Phone:  352-392-4095  

e-mail:  jmaupin@ufl.edu

 

LECTURES:                          Tuesday, Period 4, 10:40 - 11:30 AM; McCarty Hall B Rm. G086

                                                Thursday, Period 4-5, 10:40 AM - 12:20 PM; Rinker Hall Rm. 0110

 

FINAL EXAM:                      December 11, 2006, Monday, 7:30 - 9:30 AM; McCarty Hall B Rm. G086

                                                                                                           

COURSE OBJECTIVES:    

·        To become an expert on the structure and function of prokaryotic cells (i.e. bacteria and archaea).

·        To develop the concepts and skills required to understand and critically evaluate research articles that address the physiology and biochemistry of prokaryotes.

·        To apply the theories of bacterial cell physiology to current problems (e.g. controlling bacterial pathogens, engineering microorganisms for the high level production of biofuels and other products).

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:  

White, D.  2006. The Physiology and Biochemistry of Prokaryotes. Third Edition.  Oxford University Press, New York, NY.  ISBN # 0-19-530168-4.  Available at the UF bookstore as well as several online companies including: http://www.amazon.com  and http://www.varsitybooks.com

 

CLASS NOTES:

The class lecture note packet “MCB4403 Prokaryotic Cell Structure – MAUPIN-FURLOW” is available for purchase at Target Copy (CAMPUS location -- 22 NW 13th Street and ARCHER ROAD location -- 3422 SW Archer Road).  The notes are intended to assist you in understanding the material.  Many of the slides in the note packet are presented as figures.  These figures will be explained in great detail during class lecture.  Therefore, it is highly recommended that you attend lecture to achieve the objectives of this course.

 

ADDITIONAL READINGS:

Additional readings, written by microbial physiologists who are experts in their field, will be listed during lectures.  The articles are published in journals available through the UF library or Internet at no charge.  These articles are intended to assist you with understanding the course material.

 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

ATTENDANCE:

Class attendance is highly recommended to achieve the objectives of this course.

 

DEADLINES:

Students are expected to meet all announced deadlines for assignments.

 

STUDENT EVALUATION:

Students will be evaluated on the basis of three equally weighted exams including the final (100 points each) as well as five assignments (10 points each) that will be announced in lecture for a total of 350 points.  Makeup exams are given only with advanced permission under the most extreme circumstances.  Call 392-4095 prior to the exam.  If necessary, leave a message with your contact information.  All makeup exams are cumulative and will be administered on a date announced during the semester.

 

Final grades will be based on the following performance standard:

 

90 - 100 %                                          =          A

85 -   89 %                                          =          B+

80 -   84                                               =          B

75 -   79 %                                          =          C+

70 -   74                                               =          C

60 -   69 %                                          =          D

Less than 60 %                                     =          E

 

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Week 1

R 08/24                         Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function - Ch. 1                          

Week 2

T 08/29                         Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function (cont.)  

R 08/31                         Growth and Cell Division - Ch. 2, pp. 55-70 and Ch. 10, pp. 268 - 276

 

Week 3

T 09/05                         Membrane Bioenergetics - Ch. 3

R 09/07                         Electron Transport - Ch. 4

Week 4

T 09/12                         Photosynthesis - Ch. 5

R 09/14                         Photosynthesis (cont.)

Week 5

T 09/19                         Regulation of Metabolic Pathways - Ch. 6

R 09/21                         Exam 1 (Chapters 1-6)

Week 6

T 09/26                         Riboswitches (additional reading material)

R 09/28                         Bioenergetics in the Cytosol - Ch. 7

Week 7

T 10/03                         Central Metabolic Pathways - Ch. 8

R 10/05                         Central Metabolic Pathways - Ch. 8

Week 8

T 10/10                         Metabolism of Lipids, Nucleotides, Amino Acids and Hydrocarbons - Ch. 9

R 10/12                         Cell Wall and Capsule Biosynthesis - Ch. 11

Week 9

T 10/17                         Inorganic Metabolism- Ch. 12

R 10/19                         Exam 2 (Chapters 7 – 9, 11)

Week 10

T 10/24                         Inorganic Metabolism - Ch. 12

R 10/26                         Inorganic Metabolism (cont.)

Week 11

T 10/31                         C1 Metabolism - Ch. 13

R 11/02                         C1 Metabolism (cont.)

Week 12

T 11/07                         Fermentations - Ch. 14

R 11/09                         Fermentations (cont)/ Applications to Biotechnology

Week 13

T 11/14                         Solute Transport - Ch. 16

R 11/16                         Protein Export and Secretion - Ch. 17

Week 14

T 11/21                         Adaptive and Developmental Changes - Ch. 18

R 11/23                         No Class:  Thanksgiving

Week 15

T 11/28                         Adaptive and Developmental Changes (quorum sensing)

R 11/30                         Bacterial Responses to Stress - Ch. 19

Week 16

T 12/05                         Bacterial Responses to Stress (Chaperones/Proteases)

Week 17

M 12/11                        Monday, Final Exam, 7:30 – 9:30 AM 

                                    (Ch. 12 – 14, 16 – 19, and additional readings announced in lecture)

 

 

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

As a result of completing the registration form at the University of Florida, every student has signed the following statements: “I understand that the University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all their academic work.  I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University.”

 

UF COUNSELING SERVICES:

Resources are available on-campus for students having personal problems or lacking clear career and academic goals that interfere with their academic performance.  These resources include:

1.                  University Counseling Center, 301 Peabody Hall, 392-1575.  Personal and career counseling.

2.                  Student Mental Health, Student Health Care Center, 392-1171.  Personal counseling.

3.                  Sexual Assault Recovery Services, Student Health Care Center, 392-1161.  Sexual assault counseling.

4.                  Career Resource Center, Reitz Union, 291-1601.  Career development assistance and counseling.

 

SOFTWARE USE:

All faculty, staff and students of the University are required and expected to obey the laws and legal agreements governing software use.  Failure to do so can lead to monetary damages and/or criminal penalties for the individual violator.  Because such violations are also against University policies and rules, disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate.

We, the member of the University of Florida, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

 

ACOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITES: 

The Dean of Students Office provides individualized assistance for students with documented disabilities. Services are based upon student need and impact of their specific disability. There is no requirement for any student to self-identify as having a disability. However, students requesting academic accommodations must register with the Dean of Students Office and provide the appropriate documentation verifying their disability. The Dean of Students Office determines what is and is not appropriate documentation. Examples of accommodations that are available to students include, but are not limited to, registration assistance, approval of reduced course load, course substitutions, classroom and examination accommodations, auxiliary learning aids, additional course drops when disability related, and assistance in other university activities. The designated coordinator for compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the Assistant Dean of Students responsible for Students with Disabilities Programs, P202 Peabody Hall, 392-1261 (Voice), or 392-3008 (TDD).