Spring 2016

Seminar in Biology of Metals: A Molecular/Cellular Perspective 

Listed in: Biology, as BIOL-470

Faculty

Jeeyon Jeong (Section 01)

Description

Metals are required for the function of about one third of all proteins and are involved in vital biological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, gene regulation, DNA replication and repair, signal transduction, and antioxidant defense.  However, essential metals are potentially toxic due to the same properties that make them indispensable.  To cope with such a paradox, metals must be tightly regulated.

This advanced seminar will focus on the molecular and cellular biology of metals.  Topics of discussion will include metal homeostasis strategies (e.g. import/export, chelation, subcellular compartmentalization), metal cofactors of biochemical processes, inherited metal metabolism disorders, and genetics of hyperaccumulators.  We will also discuss prospects of manipulating metal homeostasis to aid human health and environmental sustainability.  The course will consist of discussions of primary literature and student presentations.  Assignments will include written reviews of literature.  

Requisite: One of the following:  BIOL 241, 251, 291, 330, 331, or permission of the instructor. Limited to 15 students. Spring semester. Professor Jeong.

BIOL 470 - L/D

Section 01
Th 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM MERR 314

Offerings

2024-25: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2016, Spring 2022