Essentials Of Biomolecules : Nucleic Acids And Peptides

The proposed course aims to provide essentials of chemistry and biology of two very important class of biomolecules: nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) and proteins. The course allows to decipher: how structural features are translated into biological functions; how highly organized and selective chemical reactions are adopted that allows DNA to replicate or dictates step-wise synthesis of specific sequence of proteins; how organic chemistry tools in combination with enzymes were ingeniously applied to determine sequences of DNA and proteins and how chemical modifications could be done to mimic similar biological properties. The course also includes modern techniques, development of biomolecular probes as high-throughput detection of biomolecules, single nucleotide polymorphisms and disease diagnosis. Overall, the course falls within the domain of organic chemistry and chemical biology.INTENDED AUDIENCE : For chemistry, Biochemistry and Biotechnology studentsPREREQUISITES : Basic knowledge in organic chemistryINDUSTRY SUPPORT : All major pharmaceuticals and Biotech companies

Week 1: Introduction, Nucleic acids and proteinsWeek 2: Synthesis of nucleobases, nucleotides and oligonucleotidesWeek 3: Solid phase synthesis of oligonucleotidesWeek 4: DNA replication, Polymerases, DNA sequencing and PCRWeek 5: DNA damage, mutations and cancerWeek 6: DNA to proteins: transcription, translation and genetic codeWeek 7: Peptides, sequencing and applications in therapeuticsWeek 8: Solution phase and solid phase peptide synthesisWeek 9: Expansion of genetic code: PNA, LNA and molecular probesWeek 10: Modern techniques for biomolecules and disease diagnosisWeek 11: Structures and chemistry of sugars and carbohydratesWeek 12: Carbohydrate based polymers as biomolecular probes and therapeutics; conclusion