BIOMG 4380

The RNA World

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2014-2015.

Part of the excitement about "the RNA world" stems from the recognition that RNA is ancient and that the evolution of life as we know it depended upon RNA evolving both informational and catalytic capabilities. This course explores these ideas but more generally provides a comprehensive introduction to RNA biology. Many of the most interesting topics in the RNA biology, such as the mechanism of the RNA interference and its widespread applications, will be covered in detail. Other topics require consideration of essential RNAprotein complexes such as ribosomes, spliceosomes, telomerase, and Signal recognition particles. Classical experiments as well as up-to-date research are covered in this course. A portion of each class is devoted to discussion and questions.

When Offered Spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: BIOMG 3300, or BIOMG 3330, or BIOMG 3350 or BIOMG 3310/BIOMG 3320 or permission of instructor.

Distribution Category (PBS)

• After completing this class, students should: Understand the chemical structure of RNA.
• Understand the structure motifs in RNA.
• Have a good understanding of the experimental and computational methods in RNA biology research.
• Understand the catalytic strategies in ribozymes.
• Understand the ligand recognition mechanism in riboswitches.
• Understand the role of RNA in important RNA-protein complexes.
• Understand the important topics in translation.
• Understand the RNA splicing/processing/editing process.
• Understand the mechanism of RNA interference in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

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