MITx 7.00x - Introduction to Biology - The Secret of Life
Metadata
- Source:: Introduction to Biology - The Secret of Life | edX
- Instructor:: Eric Lander, Michelle Mischke, Graham Walker
- Offered by:: MITx
- Platform:: edX
- Publish Date::
- Review Date::
About this Course
7.00x is an introductory level biology course hosted by professor Eric Lander, who was one of the leaders of the Human Genome Project. The course content reflects the topics taught in the MIT introductory biology courses and many biology courses across the world. As a learner, you will first focus on the structure and function of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins. You will discover how changes in the structure of some of these macromolecules alter their functions and what the implications of such changes have on human health. As you continue in the course, you will apply an understanding of heredity and information flow within cells to human health and disease and will learn about molecular biological techniques and their potential to impact our changing world. After you complete this course, you will have a foundation in biology that will allow you to understand the remarkable medical revolution going on today.
MITx 7.00x: Introduction to Biology – The Secret of Life will let you explore the mysteries of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology and genomics, and rational medicine.
Commonly Used Abbreviations
RNA = ribonucleic acid
DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid
bp = base pair(s)
Mb = Megabases
dNTP = deoxynucleoside triphosphate
ddNTP = dideoxynucleoside triphosphate
PCR = Polymerase chain reaction
cM = centiMorgans
dsDNA = double-stranded DNA
dsRNA = double-stranded RNA
ssDNA = single-stranded DNA
ssRNA = single-stranded RNA
gDNA = genomic DNA
cDNA = complementary DNA
mRNA = messenger RNA
tRNA = transfer RNA
rRNA = ribosomal RNA
lncRNA or lincRNA = long non-coding RNA or long intergenic non-coding RNA
LINEs = long interspersed elements
SINEs = short interspersed elements
WBCs = white blood cells
GMO = genetically modified organism
CRISPR = Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
RNAi = RNA interference
LDL = Low-Density Lipoprotein
HDL = High-Density Lipoprotein
FH = Familial Hypercholesterolemia
LDLR = Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor