RNA Biology: Molecular Design with Eterna

RNA is one of the most versatile and crucial molecules in modern medicine and bioengineering, driving everything from cellular growth to cutting-edge therapeutics. Understanding how to design these molecules opens up new possibilities in biotechnology and citizen science. This course guides you through the core concepts of RNA biology and the rules of molecular folding. You will transition from understanding basic genetic translation to conceptually designing your own stable RNA structures using the design patterns popularized by the Eterna project. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental structure of RNA and its essential roles in living cells - Apply biochemical folding rules to design stable and functional secondary RNA structures - Explore how RNA is utilized in modern medicine, including mRNA vaccines and therapeutics - Master the core design strategies used in the Eterna platform to solve molecular puzzles - Analyze how sequence changes impact the thermodynamic stability of a molecule You will start with foundational biochemistry definitions and structural basics before progressing to the rules of base pairing and practical design challenges. The written explanations and step-by-step walkthroughs will help you build a strong conceptual framework for molecular engineering. This course is designed for beginners, science enthusiasts, and aspiring biotechnologists with no prior background in molecular biology. Start your journey into the world of molecular design today.