Addressed modification of biopolymers

Abstract

The second half of the 20th century was marked by discoveries of the structure and function of nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates, which make up the basis for the vital activity of organisms. Even though the decisive contribution to the study of these compounds was made by investigations using the methods of spectral and X-ray structural analysis, as well as nuclear magnetic resonance, we should admit that the methods of chemical modification also largely influenced the progress in understanding the functional mechanisms of biological macromolecules. The priority in their development, primarily in formulating objectives and prospects for the targeted delivery of functional chemical compounds to molecules of proteins and nucleic acids, largely belongs to Russian scientists. The fundamentals of the pioneering works of Academician D.G. Knorre’s scientific school in the field of specific modification of biological macromolecules and ways of using this approach in molecular biology and biomedicine are considered.