Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
The Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department has the goal of understanding the journey of how a cell’s genetic information is opened up to be used and put into action. This process starts as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is re-written into ribonucleic acid (RNA), and that RNA is then used by cellular machinery to make protein. Not surprisingly, it’s a pretty complex process that involves a bunch of signals both inside and outside of the cell.
It’s important to know that every cell in our body has the same DNA instructions - it’s the way that the DNA is used that allows each cell to become one type of cell instead of another. For example, the cells in our lungs need to use the DNA (or genetic instructions) that code for all the things needed to become a lung cell but leave the DNA that codes for all other cells - like skin or brain - alone. In addition to learning about how the genetic instructions are used by each cell, the structural shape of the genetic instructions is also another area of research that is important!
The genetic instructions are the foundation of all life on earth and key to understanding how everything gets made and works.
What sounds most interesting to you? Studying the shape of our genetic instructions or how it’s used to create the cells in our body?To figure out which sounds most fascinating to you, check out the work being done by the scientists in the department of biochemistry and molecular genetics!
If you want to learn more about the department, please head to the official CU webpage: