Hannah  Koaches,   '11 75
   Major: Biochemistry
   Hometown: Midland, MI

Sponsor(s): Christopher Rohlman
Support:  

Abstract: 
Our research focuses on the molecular architecture of biomolecules. We carry out these studies using ribonucleic acid (RNA) as a model system. RNA serves as both a genetic and catalytic biomolecule in the cell. Our goal is to obtain insight into the folding and catalytic behavior of the Anabaena group I intron in order to formulate a model structure. Group I introns are RNA sequences found in many organisms, which are capable of self-splicing and removal from neighboring RNA sequences. The Anabaena group I intron itself comes from a cyanobacteria. To study the Anabaena ribozyme we are using both chemical methods coupled with computer bioinformatics. The folding and catalytic behavior of the ribozyme can be studied using fluorescent based assays to observe structural changes in the ribozyme. JalView sequence alignment software has also been adapted to analyze and annotate specific sequences of this Group I catalytic RNA. We can use this to map both chemical and genetic studies of this RNA molecule. As the structure of Anabaena itself has not yet been determined, it is our goal to use computational software to develop to an accurate three-dimensional representation of the Anabaena ribozyme. Describing the three dimensional structure and dynamic of this model biomolecule system will help us gain a broader understanding of their function in living systems.

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