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Related Concept Videos

Nucleic Acid Structure01:25

Nucleic Acid Structure

The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms  a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...
Nucleic Acids02:43

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Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...
Nucleic acids02:43

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...
Nucleic Acids02:43

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The DNA Helix01:07

The DNA Helix

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the genetic material responsible for passing traits from generation to generation in all organisms and most viruses. DNA is composed of two strands of nucleotides that wind around each other to form a spring-like structure called a double helix. However, the double helix is not perfectly symmetrical. Instead, there are regularly occurring grooves in the structure. The major groove occurs where the sugar-phosphate backbones are relatively far apart. This space...
The DNA Helix01:16

The DNA Helix

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Analyzing and Building Nucleic Acid Structures with 3DNA
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Published on: April 26, 2013

Duplex structure of a minimal nucleic acid.

Mark K Schlegel1, Lars-Oliver Essen, Eric Meggers

  • 1Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein Strasse, D-35043 Marburg, Germany.

Journal of the American Chemical Society
|June 6, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study reveals the crystal structure of a minimal nucleic acid duplex, showing stable Watson-Crick-like pairing. It features a unique helical ribbon structure with a hollow core and extensive hydrophobic interactions.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Structural Biology
  • Synthetic Biology

Background:

  • Nucleic acid chemistry explores alternative backbones beyond DNA and RNA.
  • Guanine-nucleic acid analog (GNA) is a minimal nucleic acid analog with potential for prebiotic chemistry.
  • Understanding GNA duplex stability is crucial for its applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the crystal structure of an 8-mer (S)-GNA duplex.
  • To investigate the structural basis for GNA duplex stability.
  • To explore the interactions within the GNA duplex.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray crystallography was used to determine the structure.
  • Anomalous diffraction with copper(II) ions was employed for phasing.
  • Analysis of base pairing and backbone interactions.

Main Results:

  • The crystal structure of an (S)-GNA duplex was solved, revealing antiparallel strands and Watson-Crick-like base pairing.
  • The GNA duplex adopts a unique right-handed helical ribbon structure with a large hollow core, distinct from A- and B-form DNA.
  • Extensive interstrand hydrophobic interactions and unusual intrastrand hydrophobic interactions between nucleobases and the backbone were observed.

Conclusions:

  • A minimal nucleic acid backbone can support stable Watson-Crick-like duplex formation.
  • The unique structure of GNA duplexes, including hydrophobic interactions, contributes to their stability.
  • GNA represents a promising candidate for minimal genetic systems and synthetic biology.