The pharmacy of life – exploring the function and biochemistry of natural products
MCB 130
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Life has evolved countless bioactive molecules, or “natural products”, that act like pharmaceuticals to affect the cellular processes of other organisms, and many of these molecules serve as critical medicines and research tools. In this course, we will explore the diverse functions of natural products – including many important medicines like plant-derived chemotherapeutics, fungal psychedelics, and cone snail venoms – as case studies to teach fundamental principles of biochemistry and cell biology. By exploring the diverse pharmacy of natural products that have evolved in nature, we aim to illustrate how specific, molecular level interactions can lead to powerful toxic and medicinal effects on other organisms. Additionally, we will introduce major research techniques that are used to study the biological functions of natural products and discuss the essential role of these techniques for future efforts to discover new drugs from nature. Collectively, this course will provide a cross-disciplinary platform for exploring the molecular and biochemical properties that make natural products a critical component of not just the evolution of species, but also our medicine, culture, and research.
Recommended Prep
One semester of organic chemistry (e.g. CHEM 17 or CHEM 20) or biochemistry (e.g. MCB 63 or MCB 65).
Not Available for Cross Registration
NOTE: This course requires additional sections; you will be prompted to choose secondary components during the Add to Cart process
