DNA: Biology’s Genetic Code

Lecture 1: DNA Structure

Comprised of only four monomers, DNA serves as the genetic material of living organisms We explore how DNA was identified as the genetic material, review the characteristics and structure of DNA, examine the information encoded in this interesting macromolecule, and explore implications of variations in DNA size and sequence

Lecture 2: DNA Organization

We explore how DNA is arranged, packaged, and organized within the cell. We examine chromatin architecture, how chromatin is modified by histones, and how epigenetics can affect gene expression

Lecture 3: DNA Replication I

We explore the mechanisms by which DNA is copied and the complications that arise due to the asymmetric construction of DNA with respect to its 3' and 5' ends We examine the dynamic nature of the replication proteins and the exquisite specificity with which these proteins can catalyze essential biochemical reactions, and how enzymatic activity can be regulated within the larger context of the cell

Lecture 4: DNA Replication II

We explore further the replication machinery that allows for the coordination of leading and lagging strand synthesis during DNA replication, a feature of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication We examine the initiation of DNA replication at origins of replication We also discuss the involvement of nucleosomes and histones in this process, which is a unique feature of eukaryotic DNA We also examine termination of DNA replication and the involvement of telomerase in solving a unique problem of eukaryotic DNA replication: shortening of chromosomal ends during DNA replication

Lecture 5: DNA Manipulation

We examine the manipulation of DNA The cell can restore (or sometimes alter) DNA by repairing damage from a variety of environmental sources Repair of double-stranded breaks includes recombination (or exchanging DNA sequences between two different ds DNAs) We examine methods of DNA amplification, analysis, "cloning," and sequencing These forms of "manipulating" DNA employ enzymes and functional properties that we have discussed Our ever-more-efficient and cost-effective ability to sequence and to recombine DNA fragments has transformed biological and biomedical sciences, and much remains to be discovered!