Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title NUCLEIC ACID AND PEPTIDE CHEMISTRY
Code CHEM486
Coordinator Dr R Cosstick
Chemistry
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2008-09 M Level Second Semester 7.5

Aims

The aim of this module are is to provide a detailed account of the chemistry and structure of the nucleic acids, amino acids and peptides


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should:

  • know how to synthesize nucleosides and understand the strategies that an be used to control stereochemistry;
  • understand the chemistry of the sugar and heterocyclic moieties of nucleosides;
  • know about modern methods for the chemical synthesis of DNA and RNA;
  • know about the structure of nucleic acids and how sequence information is obtained;
  • know how to synthesize and resolve amino acids;
  • know about protecting group and coupling strategies for the solution and solid-phase synthesis of peptides and how to minimize the racemization problem;
  • know how to analyse and sequence peptides.
  • know about the major structural motifs in polypeptides (helices and sheets);
  • know about some current theories regarding prebiotic evolution.

Syllabus
0 

Nucleic acids (8 lectures)

  • Introduction to the structure of nucleosides and nucleotides.
  • Use of nucleoside analogues as therapeutic agents
  • The synthesis of ribo- and deoxyribonucleosides
  • Reactions of the sugar and base moieties of nucleosides
  • Chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides
  • Protecting group chemistry
  • Methods of phosphorylation and formation of internucleotide linkages
  • solid phase methods of synthesis? DNA structure (Watson and Crick and the double helix)
  • Determining the sequence of DNA
  • Chemical mutagenesis- the molecular basis as to why some compounds are carcinogenic.

Peptides (8 lectures)

  • Methods for the Synthesis and resolution of amino acids
  • Asymmetric synthesis of amino acids, physical properties of amino acids and the amide bond
  • The racemization problem and protection of the amino function
  • Protection of amino acid side chains and the carboxylic acid function
  • Strategies for peptide synthesis and methods for making amide bonds
  • Characterisation and sequencing of peptides
  • Molecular evolution - ideas as to how early life forms evolved

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Materail is presented via a series of lectures supported by two workshops.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

   2

     57

 75
Timetable (if known) Mon 12-1, Wed 11-12
  		           
Private Study 0
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Written Examination  2 hours  Second  100  August resit opportunity for PGT students only, where applicable. see notes    Year 3 (and Year 4) students resit at the next normal opportunity.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             

Recommended Texts
  • "Nucleic Acids in Chemistry and Biology", G M Blackburn and M J Gait, Publisher: Irl Pr; ISBN: 0-19-9635331; 2nd edition.
  • "Amino Acid and Peptide Chemistry", John Jones, Publisher OUP, (Oxford Chemistry Primer) ISBN: 0-19-8556688
  • An Introduction to Peptide Chemistry, P. D. Bailey
  • "Nucleic Acids" Shawn Doonan, RSC Tutorial Chemistry text ISBN 0-85404-481-7