Volumetric characterization of the hydration properties of heterocyclic bases and nucleosides

We have determined the partial molar volumes, expansibilities, and adiabatic compressibilities of six heterocyclic nucleic acid bases, five ribonucleosides, and six 2'-deoxyribonucleosides within the temperature range 18-55 degrees C. We interpret the resulting data in terms of the hydration of the component hydrophobic and polar atomic groups. From our temperature-dependent volumetric studies, we found that the total contraction of water caused by polar groups of each individual heterocyclic base and nucleoside depends on the proximity and chemical nature of other functional groups of the solute. In addition, the compressibility contributions of polar groups vary greatly in sign and magnitude depending on the surrounding functional groups. In agreement with previous studies, our results are suggestive of little or no interaction between the sugar and base moieties of a nucleoside. In general, our data shed light into the hydration properties of individual heterocyclic bases and nucleosides, which may have significant implications for the sequence-dependent hydration of nucleic acids. We discuss the potential importance of our results for developing an understanding of the role that solvent plays in the stabilization/destabilization of nucleic acid structures.