Course Identification

Introduction to molecular biochemistry: from genes to proteins

The discovery of DNA

Chemical and physical properties of nucleic acids

Analytical methods for nucleic acids characterization

DNA transactions: replication; transcription; mutagenesis; repair.

DNA supercoiling and packaging

RNA – structure and function

DNA in nanotechnology and medicine

Primary structure of proteins

Secondary structural elements and predictions

Tertiary structure: basic folding motifs, topology

Quaternary structure: oligomerization and polymerization

Protein stability and folding

Protein kinetics: Enzymes

The teachers will become familiar with the structure of biological polymers and the relationship between structure and function. They will learn chemical and physical methods to characterize and quantify biomolecules and will be exposed to cutting edge research and development relevant to nucleic acids and proteins.

The teachers will be trained to analyze experimental results and deduce biochemical mechanisms through thought-provoking tutorials. At the end of the course the teachers should be able to independently understand and evaluate simple texts relevant to nucleic acids and protein research and teach basic concepts to high school students.