Watch Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: How Life Works

Name: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: How Life Works
Genre: Documentary & Biography
Released: 2019-09-13
Cast: Kevin Ahern

2019
1 Season

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: How Life Works is a fascinating educational series from The Great Courses Signature Collection, hosted by the renowned scientist and professor, Kevin Ahern. He takes viewers on a captivating journey into the world of biochemistry, exploring the intricacies of life from the molecular level. Through 36 enlightening lectures, Ahern delivers a comprehensive overview of how biochemical processes contribute to the complex workings of the human body and other living organisms.

The course covers a wide range of topics, from the fundamental building blocks of life to advanced processes in gene expression and signal transduction. Ahern's approachable teaching style makes this complex subject matter digestible for viewers of all backgrounds, whether you are an undergraduate student studying biological sciences, a medical professional, or simply curious about the science of life.

Ahern begins by introducing the principles of biochemistry and molecular biology, explaining the vital role of carbon-based compounds in all living organisms, and how chemical reactions occur both within and outside of cells. He then moves on to discuss the structure and function of key biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, highlighting their importance in processes such as protein synthesis, DNA replication, and metabolism.

Throughout the course, Ahern utilizes visual aids and analogies to help viewers grasp complex concepts, using real-life examples to illustrate how biochemical processes play a crucial role in everyday life. For instance, he explains how enzymes facilitate the breakdown of food in the digestive system, and how hormones regulate bodily functions such as appetite and metabolism.

As the course progresses, Ahern delves deeper into the intricate workings of the cell, discussing topics such as membrane transport, signal transduction, and the regulation of gene expression. He explains how cells communicate with one another and respond to environmental signals, and how these processes can be disrupted in diseases such as cancer.

One of the highlights of the course is Ahern's discussion of bioenergetics, the study of how living systems obtain and use energy. He explains how the body converts food into the high-energy molecule ATP, which powers cellular processes and fuels bodily movements. He also explores the importance of photosynthesis in providing energy for plants, animals, and ultimately, the entire ecosystem.

Throughout the series, Ahern emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of biochemistry, noting how the field encompasses aspects of chemistry, physics, and biology. Additionally, he highlights some of the cutting-edge research happening in the field, such as the development of CRISPR gene editing technology and the discoveries of new antibiotics.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: How Life Works is a comprehensive and engaging educational series that delivers a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of biochemistry and molecular biology. Kevin Ahern's accessible teaching style and passion for the subject make this course an excellent resource for students, professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the building blocks of life.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: How Life Works is a series that ran for 1 seasons (36 episodes) between September 13, 2019 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection

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Seasons

36. Omics: Genomics, Proteomics, Transcriptomics

September 13, 2019

Close by surveying exciting developments in molecular biology that are now unfolding. One area has been dubbed "omics," based on the explosion of applications due to genomics, which is the decoding of human and other genomes. Thus, we now have "proteomics," "transcriptomics," and other subfields, all exploiting our knowledge of the DNA sequences responsible for specific biochemical pathways.

35. Biotechnology, Stem Cells, Synthetic Biology

September 13, 2019

Molecular biology allows scientists and engineers to manipulate the recipes written in our genes. Spotlight some of the developments drawing on these techniques, including cloning, reprogramming cells, harnessing stem cells, and initiatives in "synthetic" biology, a new field that lets researchers create genomes that have never before existed, essentially fashioning entirely new life forms.

34. Cancer Mechanisms and Treatments

September 13, 2019

Cover the ways that cells become cancerous, notably through a series of unfortunate mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell division. Genetics, environmental factors, infections, and lifestyle can also play a role. Learn why elephants don't get cancer. Then look at approaches to treating cancer, including use of agents that target rapidly dividing cells, whose side effects include hair loss.

33. Human Genetic Disease and Gene Therapy

September 13, 2019

Roughly 10,000 human diseases may be caused by mutations in single genes. Review the nature of genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and Alzheimer's. Also examine diseases that emerge from mutations in mitochondrial DNA. Finally, assess the challenges of using gene therapy and other technologies to treat genetic diseases.

32. Protein-Synthesis Controls and Epigenetics

September 13, 2019

Explore the controls that determine which genes are expressed at a given time, where in the body, and to what extent. Controls that act over and above the information in DNA are called epigenetic, and they can be passed on to offspring for a generation or two. Consider the case of honeybees, where a special food affects which genes are expressed, turning an ordinary larva into a queen bee.

31. Translating RNA into Proteins

September 13, 2019

Learn how cells solve the problem of reading information in messenger RNA and using it to direct protein synthesis. Focus on how different parts of the translation apparatus work together through sequence-specific interactions. Also discover how antibiotics kill bacteria and what makes the bioterrorism agent ricin so deadly. Close by investigating techniques to create biological drugs on demand.

30. Transcribing DNA to RNA

September 13, 2019

RNA is more than simply a copy of the DNA blueprint. Focus on the synthesis of RNA, covering how it differs from DNA replication. Also learn how human cells shuffle their genetic code to make about 100,000 different proteins using fewer than 30,000 coding sequences. Finally, see how knowledge of transcription occurring after death helps forensic scientists establish the time of death accurately.

29. DNA Recombination, Gene Editing, CRISPR

September 13, 2019

Delve deeper into DNA replication, learning that a process called genetic recombination assures that no two individuals will have the same DNA, unless they are twins derived from a single fertilized egg. Trace the new technologies that have arisen from our understanding of recombination and repair of DNA, notably CRISPR, which permits precise alteration of gene sequences.

28. DNA Mismatch and Excision Repair

September 13, 2019

Cells go to great lengths to prevent mutations. Luckily, these measures are not quite perfect, since nature relies on mutations to drive evolution. Study the methods that cells use to minimize alterations to their DNA. Find that DNA repair can interfere with cancer treatment, when the malignant cells survive medical therapy by repairing their DNA faster than the treatment can halt the repair.

27. Chromosome Replication, Telomeres, Aging

September 13, 2019

Examine the cell cycle of eukaryotic cells and the cycle's effect on DNA replication. Discover that a quirk in the copying of linear DNA leads to the shrinking of chromosomes as cells age, a problem reversed in egg and sperm cells by the telomerase enzyme. For this reason, telomerase might appear to be the secret to immortality except its unregulated presence in cells can lead to cancer.

26. DNA Replication in Bacteria; PCR in the Lab

September 13, 2019

Focus on DNA's ability to replicate by matching complementary base pairs to separated strands of the helix. Several specialized enzymes are involved, as well as temporary segments of RNA. Explore this process in bacteria. Then investigate the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a Nobel Prize-winning technique for copying DNA segments in the lab, which has sparked a biotechnology revolution.

25. DNA and RNA: Information in Structure

September 13, 2019

Advance into the last third of the series, where you cover molecular biology, which deals with the biochemistry of reproduction. Zero in on DNA and how its double-helix structure relates to its function. Then look at the single-stranded RNA molecule, which is a central link in the process, "DNA makes RNA makes protein." Also consider how viruses flourish with very little DNA or RNA.

24. From Biochemistry to Molecular Biology

September 13, 2019

Trace the pathways of two widely ingested molecules: caffeine and fructose. Caffeine fools the body (usually harmlessly) into increasing glucose in the blood, while too much fructose can lead to unhealthy accumulation of fat in the liver. Then focus on two topics that link with the upcoming molecular biology segment of the series: androgen insensitivity and the molecular mechanisms of aging.

23. The Biochemistry of Our Senses

September 13, 2019

Most of the reactions you have studied so far occur outside everyday awareness. Now investigate the most important biochemical signals that we habitually notice: the molecular reactions that give rise to the five senses. Analyze the sensory origins of colors, sounds, tastes, smells, and touch, mapping them through the nervous system. Observe how the senses are "tuned" to enhance our survival.

22. Neurotransmitters, the Brain, and Addiction

September 13, 2019

When you touch a hot stove, you recoil instantly. How do nerve cells process information so quickly? Trace nerve impulses (which involve electrical signals and neurotransmitters) as they pass from neuron to neuron, and from neuron to muscle cells. Study molecules that block nerve transmissions, such as snake venom and Botox treatments, and look at the role of dopamine in addiction behaviors.

21. Hormones, Stress, and Cell Division

September 13, 2019

Cellular communication depends on specific molecular interactions, where the message and the receiver are biomolecules. Follow this process for signaling molecules such as the hormones epinephrine, adrenalin, and epidermal growth factor, which stimulates cells to divide. Cellular signaling is like the children's game called telephone, except the message is usually conveyed accurately!

20. Eating, Antioxidants, and the Microbiome

September 13, 2019

Discover how to eat in a way that minimizes harm and efficiently fixes the inevitable damage from living. Learn that certain cooking methods can increase the formation of harmful compounds. And substances such as antioxidants found in some foods can reduce the impact of damaging chemical reactions within cells. Also cover recent findings about gut bacteria that have changed our views about diet.

19. Recycling Nitrogen: Amino Acids, Nucleotides

September 13, 2019

Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, DNA, and RNA, yet animal and plant cells are unable to extract free nitrogen from air. See how bacteria come to the rescue. Then follow the flow of nitrogen from bacteria to plants to us. Also look at strategies for reducing our reliance on environmentally unsound nitrogen fertilizers by exploiting the secret of 16-feet-tall corn plants found in Mexico.

18. How Plants Make Carbs and Other Metabolites

September 13, 2019

Study how plants use sunlight and reduction reactions to build carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. This synthesis of food from air and water occurs in a series of reactions called the Calvin cycle. While humans exploit plants for food and fiber, we also utilize a multitude of other plant molecules called secondary metabolites. These include flavors, dyes, caffeine, and even catnip.

17. Metabolic Control during Exercise and Rest

September 13, 2019

See how cells manage complex and interconnected metabolic pathways, especially in response to exercise and a sedentary lifestyle. Then discover the secret of warm-blooded animals and what newborn babies have in common with hibernating grizzly bears (with lessons for combatting obesity). Also, learn about a drug from the 1930s that helped people burn fat in their sleep, as it killed them.

16. Cholesterol, Membranes, Lipoproteins

September 13, 2019

The word "cholesterol" evokes fear in anyone worried about coronary artery disease. But what is this ubiquitous lipid and how harmful is it? Examine the key steps in cholesterol synthesis, learn about its important role in membranes, and discover where LDLs ("bad" cholesterol) and HDLs ("good") come from. It isn't cholesterol alone that is plugging arteries in atherosclerosis.

15. How Animals Make Carbs and Fats

September 13, 2019

Take a tour of cell manufacturing, focusing on metabolic pathways that use energy to synthesize key molecules, including sugars, complex carbohydrates, fatty acids, and other lipids. Along the way, learn why alcohol and exercise don't mix, how our bodies create short- and long-term energy stores, and why some essential fatty acids can lead to health problems if their ratios are not optimal.

14. Energy Harvesting in Animals and Plants

September 13, 2019

Thus far, your investigations have accounted for only part of the energy available from food. So where's all the ATP? In this episode, see how ATP is produced in abundance in both animal and plant cells, largely via mitochondria (in animals and plants) and chloroplasts (in plants only). You also learn why we need oxygen to stay alive and how poisons such as cyanide do their deadly work.

13. Metabolism Meets at the Citric Acid Cycle

September 13, 2019

The products from the reactions in the previous lecture now enter the Krebs citric acid cycle. The outcome of these reactions, in turn, link to many other pathways, with the Krebs cycle serving as the hub directing the intricate traffic of metabolic intermediates. After decoding the Krebs cycle, use it to illuminate a deep mystery about cancer cells, which suggests new therapies for the disease.

12. Breaking Down Sugars and Fatty Acids

September 13, 2019

A metabolic pathway is a series of biochemical reactions, where the product of one serves as the substrate for the next. Biochemists compare these pathways to road maps that show the network of reactions leading from one chemical to the next. Follow the metabolic pathway called glycolysis that breaks up glucose and other sugars. Then trace the route for fatty acid oxidation.

11. ATP and Energy Transformations in Cells

September 13, 2019

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the fuel that powers many processes in living cells. Every day we make and break down our own body weight in ATP. Focus on the chemical reactions behind this impressive energy conversion system, which is governed by the Gibbs free energy equation. These reactions, which can proceed either forward or backward, are among the most important in biochemistry.

10. Sugars: Glucose and the Carbohydrates

September 13, 2019

Probe the biochemistry of sugars that provide us with instant energy, feed our brains, direct proteins to their destinations, and communicate the identity of our cells. On the other hand, when present in large quantities, they can lead to Type 2 diabetes, and the wrong sugar markers on transfused blood cells can even kill us.

9. Fatty Acids, Fats, and Other Lipids

September 13, 2019

Lipids are a varied group of molecules that include fats, oils, waxes, steroids, hormones, and some vitamins. Survey the fats that obsess us in our diets and body shapes, notably triglycerides in their saturated and unsaturated forms. Then explore the role lipids play in energy storage and cell membrane structure, and cover the multitude of health benefits of the lipid vitamins: A, D, E, and K.

8. Enzyme Regulation in Cells

September 13, 2019

How do cells control the tremendous power of enzymes? Study the ways that cells regulate enzyme activity by directing the synthesis and breakdown of biomolecules. One reason biochemists care so much about enzymes is that many medical conditions result from enzyme activity that is excessive or insufficient. Consider examples such as hemophilia, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

7. Enzymes' Amazing Speed and Specificity

September 13, 2019

Witness how structure and function are related in enzymes, which are a group of proteins that stimulate biochemical reactions to run at astonishing speed. One example is OMP decarboxylase, an enzyme that produces a crucial component of DNA in a blistering 0.02 second, versus the 78 million years that the reaction would normally take! Analyze the mechanisms behind these apparent superpowers.

6. Hemoglobin Function Follows Structure

September 13, 2019

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from lungs to tissues and then takes away carbon dioxide for exhalation. Learn how structure is the key to this complicated and vital function. Also see how variant forms of hemoglobin, such as fetal hemoglobin and the mutation behind sickle cell anemia, can have life-saving or fatal consequences - all depending on structure.

5. Protein Folding, Misfolding, and Disorder

September 13, 2019

Discover how proteins fold into complex shapes, often with the help of molecular chaperones. Then learn the deadly consequences of proteins that do not fold properly, leading to degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and prion diseases. Also look at intrinsically disordered proteins, which lack a fixed structure, permitting flexible interactions with other biomolecules.

4. From Peptide Bonds to Protein Structure

September 13, 2019

Learn how peptide bonds join amino acids to form an almost unlimited number of protein types. The order of amino acids matters, but even more important are the shapes they form. Survey primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary protein structures, with examples from silk (a fibrous protein with mostly secondary structure) to the intricately folded hemoglobin protein (a quaternary structure).

3. Amino Acids: 20 Building Blocks of Life

September 13, 2019

Take a tour through the 20 amino acids that link together in different combinations and sequences to build proteins. Besides water, proteins are the most abundant molecules in all known forms of life. Also the most diverse class of biological molecules, proteins make up everything from enzymes and hormones to antibodies and muscle cells.

2. Why Water Is Essential for Life

September 13, 2019

Investigate why water is so singularly suited to life. Composed of two hydrogen atoms for each oxygen atom, water molecules have a polar charge due to the uneven arrangement of shared electrons. See how this simple feature allows water to dissolve sugars and salts, while leaving oils and fats untouched. Also learn what makes water solutions acidic or basic.

1. Biochemistry Is the Science of Us

September 13, 2019

Get started on the subjects that Professor Ahern calls "the science of us": biochemistry and its allied field molecular biology, which both tell us who we are. Discover the handful of elements involved in biochemical reactions; the bonds they form; and the wide array of molecules that result, including amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. #Science & Mathematics

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Where to Watch Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: How Life Works

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: How Life Works is available for streaming on the The Great Courses Signature Collection website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: How Life Works on demand at Apple TV Channels and Amazon Prime and Amazon.