Peptide Nucleic Acid


			Peptide Nucleic Acid Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a DNA analogue in which the phosphodiester backbone has been replaced by a synthetic peptide backbone that is neutral and achiral. Developing theoretical methods for characterizing the energetics and dynamics of PNA is important for evaluating and improving diagnostic probes of PNA in gene therapy.


	Amberlyn Peterson (’08) and Tricia D. Shepherd "MD simulations of oligonucleotide duplexes of peptide nucleic acid" Support:Wesminster College Honors Summer Research Grant (2006) & Wesminster College Gore Math/Science Summer Research Grant (2007) Poster: MERCURY Conference for Undergraduate Computational Chemistry, Hamilton College, July '06 & July '07 Poster: Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research, University of Utah, February '07 Oral: Undergraduate Research Fair, Westminster College, April '07