GUEST LECTURE
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Department:
Chemistry |
Date 5th
May 2026 |
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Class/
Target audience |
PG
Chemistry |
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Name,
Designation and Professional Details of the Resource Person:
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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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