120.613.01
Nucleic Acid Chemistry
Location
East Baltimore
Term
3rd Term
Department
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
M, W, 3:30 - 4:50pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry and/or Molecular Biology
Discusses nucleic acid structure, and also describes techniques for manipulating and analyzing nucleic acids, including gel electrophoresis, PCR, and DNA sequencing. Reviews methods used to synthesize nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides, and chemical reactions that lead to modifications of nucleic acids. Covers topics including DNA-drug interactions, antisense and antigene oligonucleotides, ribozymes and deoxyribozymes, DNA cages, DNA origami, DNA nanostructures, and DNA nanodevices.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Design schemes to synthesize nucleosides, oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide conjugates
- Predict the products of reactions between nucleic acids and various chemical agents, ionizing and ultraviolet radiation
- Describe the design and function of antisense and antigene oligonucleotides, siRNAs, and nucleic acid aptamers
- Describe how ribozymes and DNAzymes catalyze chemical reactions
- Describe the design, synthesis and function of nucleic acid nanostructures and machines
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 50% Midterm
- 50% Final Exam