? Biomolecules & Cell Biology with Practical by Dr. Swapnil Yadav, published by Mahaveer Publications, is a comprehensive textbook designed as per the CBCS syllabus for B.Sc. 1st Semester Botany Honours students of Indian universities, including those under Dibrugarh, Gauhati, and Bodoland Universities.

This book provides a detailed and integrated understanding of the chemical and structural organization of life at the molecular and cellular levels. It begins with an exploration of biomolecules — carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and vitamins — emphasizing their structure, function, and significance in biological systems.

The section on Cell Biology covers the organization, structure, and functions of cell organelles, cell membrane models, cell division (mitosis and meiosis), and cell cycle regulation. The text also explains the fundamental concepts of cytology, microscopy, and cellular communication, laying the foundation for advanced studies in molecular biology and genetics.

Course Contents

Chapter 1: Biophysical Chemistry

• Atoms

• Atomic number and atomic weight

• Isotopes

• Molecules

• Chemical bonds

• Isomerism

• Biomolecules

• Metabolism

Chapter 2: Water

• Hydrogen bonds in water

• Physical properties of water

• Significance of water to plant life

Chapter 3: Acid and Base

• pH (Potentia Hydrogenii)

• pH scale

• pH indicators

• Buffers

Chapter 4: Bioenergetics and Thermodynamics

• Bioenergetics

• Thermodynamics

• System

• First law of thermodynamics

• Second law of thermodynamics

• Entropy

• Third law of thermodynamics

• Zeroth law of thermodynamics

• Endergonic and exergonic reactions

• Coupled reactions

• Redox reactions

Chapter 5: Carbohydrates

• Classification of carbohydrates

• Monosaccharides

• Oligosaccharides

• Polysaccharides

• Glycoconjugates

• Functions of carbohydrates

• Reducing sugars

Chapter 6: Lipids

• Fatty acids

• Types of fatty acids

• Fats

• Properties of fats

• Waxes

• Phospholipids

• Functions of phospholipids

• Sphingomyelin

• Glycolipids

• Steroids

• Importance of steroids

Chapter 7: Amino Acids

• Classification of amino acids

• Physical properties of amino acids

• Chemical properties of amino acids

• Peptides vs. Proteins

• Uncommon amino acids

Chapter 8: Proteins

• Structure of proteins

• Ramachandran plot

• Properties of proteins

• Classification of proteins

Chapter 9: Nucleic Acids

• Nucleotides and nucleosides

• Structure of DNA

• Types of DNA

• Functions of DNA

• DNA as genetic material

• RNA

• Types of RNA

• RNA as genetic material

Chapter 10: Enzymes

• History of enzymology

• Enzyme structure and binding properties

• Enzyme nomenclature and classification

• Mechanism of enzyme action

• Factors affecting enzyme activity

• Enzyme turnover number

• Co-factors

• Isoenzymes

• Zymogens

• Ribozymes

• Abzymes

• Enzyme inhibition

Chapter 11: Cell

• History of cell biology

• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

• Cell wall and protoplasm

• Cell organelles

Chapter 12: Nucleus

• Structure

• Function

• Chromosomes

Chapter 13: Plasma Membrane

• Chemical composition

• Fluid mosaic model

• Functions of plasma membrane

Chapter 14: Cell Organelles

• Mitochondria

• Plastids

• Evolution of mitochondria and chloroplast (Endosymbiotic theory)

• Endoplasmic reticulum

• Golgi complex

• Lysosome

• Ribosome

• Peroxisome

• Centrosome

• Cytoskeleton

• Vacuole

Chapter 15: Cell Cycle

• Mitosis

• Meiosis

• Regulation of cell cycle

• p53 gene

Practical Manual

Includes laboratory exercises on:

• Qualitative and quantitative tests for biomolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids)

• Microscopic studies of plant cells and tissues

• Identification and observation of cell organelles

• Preparation of temporary slides for mitosis and meiosis

• Measurement of pH, buffers, and enzyme activity