Living organisms are self-assembling systems that achieve an enormous variety of functions through organization of components from sub-nanometer to meter scale. Understanding the functions of these systems must start with a study of the molecular components, their structures and interactions. By understanding these structures and their functions we gain the ability to design and construct materials and devices to detect and monitor biological processes and ultimately build complex systems that transcend biology.

Among the biological materials that have attracted the most interest are the nucleic acids - ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). A central dogma of biology places DNA at the core of life, as the blueprint for the construction of all known life forms. However, in the 50 years since the discovery of the DNA double helix, scientists have only just begun to understand and appreciate the complexity of nucleic acid biology. The opportunities for engineers and material scientists to participate in future discoveries are significant. Research and development of devices for high-throughput detection and determination of nucleic acid sequences is currently one of the most active and important areas linking material science and biology.

This talk will provide an introduction to the nucleic acids, focusing on their genesis, key structural features, interactions, and strategies for detection technologies that require material science solutions. The ability to re-engineer nucleic acids into new self-assembling materials will also be discussed.

If you reference this work in a publication, please cite as follows:

• Bergstrom, Don (2007), "Nucleic Acids," http://www.nanohub.org/resources/2674/.

  BibTex | EndNote

1. DNA/Nucleic Acids
2. nano/bio
3. self-assembly
4. tutorial