Guest lecture to PG chemistry students on DNA by Dr Anupama

 GUEST LECTURE

Department:  Chemistry

Date 5th May 2026

 

Class/ Target audience

PG Chemistry

Name, Designation and Professional Details of the Resource Person:

Dr P. Mary Anupama, Head, Dept of Biochemistry, SJCW(A)

 

Report on Guest Lecture on Nucleic Acids

A guest lecture on “Nucleic Acids” was delivered by Dr. P. Mary Anupama to the postgraduate Chemistry students of St. Joseph's College for Women on 5th May 2026. The session aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the chemistry, structure, and biological significance of nucleic acids, with special emphasis on the experimental proofs underlying nucleic acid structure.

The lecture began with an introduction to nucleic acids and their role as the genetic material of living organisms. Detailed explanations were provided on the structural organization of nucleotides and nucleosides. The speaker elaborated on the chemical and experimental proofs demonstrating that nitrogen bases are linked to ribose through the N9 position in purines. Hydrolysis studies, methylation experiments, X-ray crystallography, and stability analyses were discussed systematically.

Further, the session highlighted the chemical evidence supporting the furanose form of ribose and deoxyribose in nucleic acids. The lecture also explained the significance of phosphodiester linkages and the experimental proofs supporting the 3′–5′ phosphate linkage in nucleic acids. Students were introduced to the pioneering contributions of scientists such as Rosalind Franklin, Watson, Crick, and Todd in elucidating DNA structure.

A detailed description of the typical B-DNA structure was presented, including antiparallel strands, complementary base pairing, hydrogen bonding, helical dimensions, and the biological importance of major and minor grooves. The lecture successfully connected biochemical concepts with structural chemistry, helping students appreciate the molecular basis of heredity.

The session was highly interactive and informative. Students actively participated in discussions and clarified their doubts regarding nucleic acid chemistry and molecular structure. The lecture greatly enriched their conceptual understanding of advanced biomolecular chemistry topics.










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