Nucleic Acids and Chromatin OpenCourseWare: The Open University's Free Undergraduate Class on the Properties of Nucleotides

Published Feb 18, 2009

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'Nucleic Acid and Chromatin,' an OpenCourseWare project by Open University, explores the function and composition of nucleic acids, specifically DNA and RNA. This course would be particularly useful for anyone interested in or currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.

Nucleic Acid and Chromatin: Course Specifics

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Nucleic Acid and Chromatin: Course Specifics

This Open University course explores the role of nucleic acids, which are molecules that contain genetic information. Biochemistry students begin by reviewing nucleic acids biological roles, starting with their discovery and early observations. Students then look at the functional and genetic roles of nucleic acid within the cell. Students learn about how nucleic acids figure into the transferring of genetic information. Additionally, this course focuses on nuclei acids' molecular structure and the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), one of the most common nucleic acids. Other key topics covered include the structures of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and its function within the cell, DNA damage, nucleic acid-protein interactions and the packaging of DNA into chromatin by proteins. The course wraps up by reviewing chromosome distribution within the nucleus and the organization of the mitotic chromosome. This is estimated to be a 12-hour course.

'Nucleic Acid and Chromatin' consists of outline notes, online activities, summary questions and a student discussion forum. To access this free online course, visit the nucleic acid and chromatin course page.

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