Bioorganic Chemistry 1100-1BB23

The goal of the lectures in Bioorganic Chemistry is to introduce students to different classes of chemical compounds which play important functions in living organisms. The lectures will answer questions such as: how on the basis of organic chemistry methods is it possible to synthesize such complex biomolecules as peptides or nucleic acids, how to study their structures using modern spectroscopic methods and how their structure influences the biological properties. The knowledge about structure-function relationship of natural compounds is used to design synthetic analogues with improved biological properties. Beside the synthesis of natural compounds, the most important analogues of individual classes will be characterized. The most important applications in the research as well as in biotechnology and medicine will be presented.

Program:
1. Amino acids, peptides and proteins - structure and properties
2. Peptide synthesis
3. Enzymes as biocatalysts in chemical reactions. Modified enzymes.
4. Proteins - isolation, purification and modifications.
5. Nucleosides, nucleotides and nucleic acids - structure and functions.
6. Synthesis and properties of nucleosides and nucleotides. Applications in medicine.
7. Modifications of nucleotides within the phosphate moieties.
8. Oligonucleotides DNA and RNA synthesis. Modified analogues of DNA/RNA and their properties: PNA, LNA, PS, MPO etc.
9. Applications of synthetic oligonucleotides: antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, aptamers, siRNA.
10. Labelled biomolecules and their applications.
11. Oligosaccharides
12. Alkaloids, terpens, steroids, lipids and dyes

- Essential course of organic chemistry is required
- Requirements to complete the course: attendance at classes, achieve more than 50% points during exam.

Description by Jacek Jemielity, November 2009.