BIOMG 4380 - The RNA World

Spring. 3 credits.

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

A. Ke.

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.