Prof. Loren Williams | “RNA: Still Folding after all these Years”

Event Date:
January 14, 2013 – 4:00 PM to January 15, 2013 – 4:59 PM

Location:
Burson 115

Event Date:
January 14, 2013 – 4:00 PM to January 15, 2013 – 4:59 PM

Location:
Burson 115

SEMINAR SERIES

SPRING 2013

Loren Dean Williams

Georgia Institute of Technology

Will be presenting

“RNA: Still Folding after all these Years”

Abstract:

We will discuss RNA World models of the origin of life, in which RNA was the primary biopolymer of early genetics and catalysis, predating protein and DNA. Biological and geological systems record historical information, as seen in the growth rings of trees and in the layers of the Grand Canyon. On a molecular level, biological records are detailed and temporally extensive, connecting us to the pre-history of biology (the origin of life). The most ancient macromolecules in biology are found in the ribosome, which is the RNA-protein complex responsible for the synthesis of all coded protein in all living organisms. The catalytic core of the ribosome a deeply-frozen molecular fossil that is older than modern protein-based biology. The origins and early development of the ribosome, billions of years ago, remain firmly imprinted in the biochemistry of extant life. The ribosome tells us much of story of the origin of life. The information contained within the ribosome guides our laboratory in experimentally recapitulating critical chemical and biochemical steps in the origin and early evolution of life.

Monday, January 14, 2013 @ 4:00pm Rm. 115 Burson

Refreshments served @ 3:45