About the lecture

In the first mini-lecture, we are introduced to what DNA is by first discussing its function as the ‘instructions of life’, allowing cells to grow and divide. We talk about DNA (and RNA) as biological polymers, and discuss other examples of natural polymers such as proteins. To continue, we talk about the processes DNA undergoes all the time that lets it carry out its functions. We discuss the central dogma, as well as the importance of replication, recombination and repair in the maintenance of cells and DNA. To finish off, we look at the chemical structure of DNA, diving into the structure of a nucleotide, what they are made of, and the four different nucleotides we come across in DNA.

About the lecturer

Having trained as a biochemist, Professor Richard Bowater's research interests broadened out to encompass methodologies that involve biophysical chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics. His research focuses on macromolecular interactions of bacterial DNA repair proteins, particularly DNA and RNA ligases, with experiments performed in vitro or in bacterial model organisms. His areas of expertise include the relationship of genetic instabilities to human diseases; trinucleotide (triplet) repeat expansions and human neurodegenerative disorders; DNA repair processes; and protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions.