A DBT Sponsored Guest Lecture on ‘Molecular Biology of Ribozymes’, was organized by the Department of Biotechnology, BBK DAV College for Women. The resource person of the lecture was Dr. Alla Singh, Scientist from the Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana. He focused on the use of Ribozymes which are catalytic RNAs and have a role in modification of other RNAs via specific chemical reaction that catalyzes phosphodiester link cleavage. Dr. Singh discussed the importance of these molecules in the scientific arena to achieve targets of rational design of biological components. He called them “enzymes for innovation”. He also compared them with nano molecules and stressed on the molecular biology of these molecules by saying that what was not achievable with the polymer sciences, is now possible with Ribozymes.
He apprised the students about some of the interesting applications of Ribozymes even in the public domain. Already these molecules have made their way out from the laboratory to the real world where they are being utilized to catch criminals and thus curbing the menaces like thefts and burglary. UK has already employed them as forensic marking solution named SelectaDNA, which works in the form of DNA mist that is sprayed all over the body of a thief who attempts to rob a shop or supermarket. The mist has synthetic DNA which has trace mark that leaves a unique fingerprint on the body of the thief and helps local police to catch the criminal at go.
Dr. Singh also apprised the students about various entrance examinations like PreIGEM at undergraduate and graduate level to be an active player in the future. The lecture concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Rashmi Kalia, Head, Department of Botany, Co-ordinator of Biotechnology. Principal Dr. Pushpinder Walia thanked the Resource person and stressed upon the need of organizing such lectures in future also in order to motivate students for research and to be more knowledgeable about the current scientific innovations and discoveries.