This course provides an introduction to nucleic acid biopolymers (e.g., DNA and RNA) and their connection with cutting-edge nanobiotechnologies. The course covers: discovery, basic chemistry, structure, synthesis, instrumental analysis and manipulation of nucleic acids. General topics include recent advances in nucleic acids for molecular diagnostics and therapeutics, genome engineering, and even nonbiological applications.

A basic understanding of chemistry and biology is recommended.

Participation (10%), Mid-term exam (30%), Final exam (40%), and Project presentation (20%)

■ Nucleic Acids in Chemistry and Biology (RSC Publishing) by G. Michael Blackburn, Michael J. Gait, David Loakes, and David M. Williams
■ The Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids (WILEY) by Günter Mayer
■ Nucleic Acids: Structures, Properties, and Functions (University Science Books) by Victor A. Bloomfield, Donald M. Crothers, and Ignacio Tinoco, Jr.
■ The Aptamer Handbook: Functional Oligonucleotides and Their Applications (WILEY-VCH)
■ by Sven Klussmann
■ Ribozymes and RNA Catalysis (RSC Biomolecular Sciences) by David M. J Lilley and Fritz Eckstein
■ Nanobiotechnology: Concepts, Applications and Perspectives (WILEY-VCH) by Christof M. Niemeyer and Chad A. Mirkin
■ http://www.atdbio.com/nucleic-acids-book
■ http://ocw.mit.edu

■ Introduction to nucleic acids as a sequence-controlled biopolymer
■ Structure of nucleic acids
■ Replication, transcription, and translation
■ Introduction to amino acids
■ Synthesis of nucleic acids
■ Amplification of nucleic acids
■ Analysis of nucleic acids
■ Bioconjugate chemistry for nucleic acids
■ Advanced nucleic acid sequencing technologies
■ Single nucleotide polymorphism detection techniques
■ Aptamers and catalytic nucleic acids
■ Therapeutic nucleic acids

Lecture (60%), Discussion (20%), Project presentation (20%)

Online lecture address: https://zoom.us/j/9268081133?pwd=SmswdkJCQktmeXVvR0NGZFRmWGVXdz09

Meeting ID: 926-808-1133
Password: 2144