Date of Award

1-1-2012

Language

English

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College/School/Department

Department of Chemistry

Content Description

1 online resource (vi, 49 pages) : illustrations (some color)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Igor K Lednev

Committee Members

Paul F Agris

Keywords

Raman spectroscopy, RNA

Subject Categories

Biochemistry | Chemistry

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy is a technique well suited for the study of biological molecules such as proteins, peptides, or RNAs. By utilizing an ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) instrument, we are afforded a tremendous increase in sensitivity because of resonance enhancement. Additionally, this technique does not require any labeling. Moreover, this technique is better suited for studying biological systems than infrared absorption due to reduced interference from water. In this study, we apply techniques we have developed for the study of protein and peptide fibrillation to a model RNA homodimer. We demonstrate that UVRR spectroscopy is uniquely suited to monitoring the free energy changes of RNA with base-pair resolution. This presents the opportunity for novel studies investigating biologically relevant RNAs, RNAs with modifications and labels, and interactions of RNA with proteins and small molecules.

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