Syllabus
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SEMESTER – III
(NEP Syllabus from 2023-24 onwards)
MJD 3 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3+1 credits)
✔️ Course Objectives:
The objective of exposing the molecular biology paper in this programme is (i) to understand the historical discoveries that shaped the molecular biology such as DNA discovery (ii) to appreciate the central dogma of molecular biology including transcription and translation (iii) to recognize the role of mutation in shaping the stability of life forms during the course of evolution.
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Unit - I
History of molecular biology, DNA and RNA as genetic materials, experiments of Griffith, Avery, Macleod and McCarty. Hershey and Chase, *Leaderberg and Tatum, Chargaff’s principles, primary and secondary structure of DNA and RNA. Alternative forms of DNA double helices – types of RNA.
Unit - II
DNA replication in prokaryotes: Replicons – models of DNA replication – origin and termination of replication – rolling circle replication – proof for semi conservative replication (Meselson and Stahl Experiment) – enzymes and proteins involved in DNA replication (nucleases, polymerases, ligases,helicases, gyrases, single strand binding protein, replisome and primosome) – mechanism of semi discontinuous replication.
Unit - III
Steps involved in transcription of prokaryotes, promoters, transcription factors, RNA polymerases I, II and III – ribosomal RNA transcription and processing – genetic code, deciphering the genetic code, characteristics of genetic code, Wobble hypothesis, central dogma of life and reversal of central dogma.
Unit - IV
Steps involved in translation of prokaryotes – role of proteasomes in protein degradation – mechanism of action of antibiotics on protein synthesis (puromycin, chloramphenicol and streptomycin). Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes – polycistronic mRNA and operons (lac operon and trp operon and attenuation mechanism).
Unit - V
Mutation: spontaneous and induced mutations – UV and X - rays – mechanism of action of base analogues, alkylating agents, intercalating agents and teratogens – reversion suppressor mutations and mutation rate – repair of damaged DNA - excision repair, SOS, photoreactivation.
*topic shown in bold are need to be self studied as an assignment, if you wish write and submit it to course teacher and get corrected
🎯 Course Outcome:
Upon successful completion of the course the candidate will
• comprehend the history behind the development of molecular biology
• acquaint oneself with the knowledge on DNA replication in prokaryotes.
• understand the steps involved in transcription of prokaryotes.
• understand the steps involved in translation of prokaryotes.
• understand the basis of spontaneous and induced mutation.
📖 Text Books
1. Verma P.S. and Agarwal V.K. (2016) Cell Biology (Cytology, Biomolecules, Molecular Biology), Paperback, S. Chand and Company Ltd.
2. McLennan A., Bates A., Turner P. and White M. (2012) Bios Instant Notes Molecular Biology, 4th Edn. Taylor & Francis.
3. ^Bergtrom G. (2022) Cell and Molecular Biology, 5th Edn., OER, p.626.
1. 4. Serrano R. (2023) An introductory course on Molecular Biology, Cambridge Scholars publishing, p.222.
^ This book is an OER (open Educational Resource) so click, download and use.
📚 Reference Books
1. Watson J.D., Baker T.A., Bell S.P., Gann A., Levine M., Losick R. and Harrison S.H. (2014) Molecular Biology of Gene, 7th Edn. Pearson Benjamin - Cummings.
2. Cox M.M., Doudna J.A. and O’ Donnell M. (2012) Molecular biology: Principles and Practice, WH Freeman and Company.
3. Lodish H., Berk A., Kaiser C.A., Krieger M., Bretscher A., Ploegh H., Amon A. and Martin K.C. (2016) Molecular Cell Biology, 8th Edn. WH Freeman and Company.
➕ Additional Learning Resources
Currently offered SWAYAM course
👩🏽💻Cell and Molecular Biology - 12 weeks SWAYAM course, Undergraduate level/postgraduate level, core course with 4 credits offered by Prof. Vishal Trivedi, with enrollment starting on 21-07-2025 and ends on 10-10-2025; the examination may be conducted on 02-11-2025.
Related SWAYAM Courses/Archives (காப்பகம்)
Nucleic Acids and Peptides (2020)
Molecular Biology (2020)
Molecular Biology (2024)
👩🏻💻Molecular Biology - 12 weeks SWAYAM course, Undergraduate level, core course with 4 credits offered by Kashmir University Prof. Bashir Ahmad Ganaie, with enrollment starting on 01-07-2024 and ends on 31-10-2024; The examination conducted on 15-12-2024
Model Question Paper
Time 3 hrs Max. marks - 50
Section A (5 x 1 = 5 marks)
Differentiate nucleotide and nucleoside
What is the function is SSBP?
Write down the contributions of Watson and Crick.
What are the basic principles of Chargaff’s rule?
What is the significant action of EES and MMS?
Section B (5 x 3 = 15 marks)
6. a) What are the characteristic features of genetic code?
(or)
b) Discuss the primary structures of DNA and RNA.
7. a) Discuss “Genetic code is Universal”
(or)
b) What are nucleases? Discuss their types and functions.
8. a) Explain Wobble hypothesis.
(or)
b) Describe the process of Attenuation.
9. a) What are the analogues of lactose? Define induction.
(or)
b) Name the base analogues and explain their role in mutation.
10. a) Explain Photoreactivation.
(or)
b) Write notes on: UV and X rays.
Section C (3 x 10 = 30 marks)
11. Write an essay on primary structure and forms of DNA.
12. Enumerate the functions of enzymes involved in DNA replication.
13. Give an account on the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes.
14. Explain the initiation, elongation and termination of translation in prokaryotes.
15. Describe the role of excision repair system as mutational repair mechanism.
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