The Cellular Life Sciences I course deals with the biochemical aspects of cellular function. The main objective of this course is to facilitate the learning and retention of the basic principles of biochemical processes including the mechanisms underlying the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids; the relationship of primary metabolites to disease states and drug therapy; and the impact of nutrition on the well being of humans. This course provides students with the basic knowledge that they will use in subsequent courses of the pharmacy curriculum.

After completing this course, the students should have a general knowledge of the concepts indicated below and be able to discuss them with health care professionals.

In relation to electrolyte and transport :

Describe body fluids and electrolytes, and their importance in health and disease states.

Describe the nutritional importance of vitamins. Discuss their role in the metabolism of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate in health and disease states.

Appraise the chemical basis of plasma buffers in the maintenance of homeostasis.

Define and explain the components, organization and properties of plasma membranes, including membrane transporters and their functions.

Discuss homeostasis and thrombosis.

In relation to signaling :

Explain second messenger systems and the concept of signal amplification (functions of cAMP, cGMP, serine and tyrosine kinases).

Discuss membrane receptors and signal transduction pathways that are the sites of action for drugs, hormones, and neurotransmitters.

In relation to Carbohydrates and energy production :

Summarize important aspects of carbohydrate metabolism (glycolysis, glycogenesis, glycogenolysis, pentose phosphate pathway).

Summarize the utilization of carbohydrates such as fructose and galactose.

Describe energy generating pathways (Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle and Electron transport system) and the importance of carbohydrates and lipids in dieting.

In relation to Lipids and lipoproteins :

List the essential and non-essential fatty acids, and describe their functional properties.

Discuss the regulation of lipid metabolism and drugs affecting lipid metabolism.

Discuss the functional properties of cholesterol and bile salts.

Discuss cholesterol and lipid storage disorders.

Describe the composition and properties of lipoproteins.

In relation to Amino acids, proteins and enzymes :

Explain the classification and ionization of amino acids, peptides, and the characterization of proteins.

Describe defects in amino acid metabolism, and disease states associated with errors in the metabolism of amino acids.

Describe pathways involved in the removal of ammonia from physiological systems.

Describe and summarize protein biosynthesis, and its relation to disease states.

Discuss the mechanism of action of drugs classified as protein synthesis inhibitors.

Discuss post-translational processing of proteins.

Describe blood proteins and their transport function.

Describe enzymes, enzyme kinetics, and the regulation of enzyme activity.

In relation to Genes and nucleic acids :

Discuss de-novo synthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, and the salvage pathways of purines and pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis.

Distinguish genes and their components.

Describe the process involving the replication, transcription, and translation of genetic information.

Discuss the synthesis, processing, and role of DNA, RNA, and mRNA.

Discuss methods used in recombinant DNA technology: hybridization, DNA amplification and cloning; polymerase chain reaction; and DNA sequencing.

Discuss the cell cycle regulation, the role of abnormally regulated genes in the development of cancer tumor, and anticancer drugs.