Career: Nucleic Acid Phosphodiester Modification and Educational Career Development

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The focus of this research is the development of affinity transfer alkylating reagents (ATAR) for labeling the phosophodiester of nucleic acids. Using quinone methide chemistry, the ATAR will be agents for the covalent, chemoselective modification of the phosphodiester group in nucleic acid polymers. The educational focus will include the development of a course to educate journalists, development of a laboratory course stressing individual creativity and extending this approach to secondary science education and, developing apprentiship style laboratory experiments for `real life` problem solving with community based industry. With this Faculty Early Development (CAREER) award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research and educational activities of Dr. Kenneth D. Turnbull of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Arkansas. Professor Turnbull will focus his research efforts on developing innovative, chemical means to covalently deliver a variety of reporter groups or proteins to DNA. The ability to site-specifically attach such moities to DNA would allow various genetic based, biological studies to be conducted and provide a new means for efficient diagnostics, therapeutics and biological control at the genetic level. The educational focus of the project stresses course and curriculum development with an emphasis on public science literacy, real life problem solving and secondary science education.