Alternative DNA base-pairs: from efforts to expand the genetic code to potential material applications
Filip Wojciechowski1, Christian J Leumann
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The complementary Watson-Crick base-pairs, A:T and G:C, have long been recognized as pivotal to both the stability of the DNA double helix and replication/transcription. Recently, the replacement of the Watson-Crick base-pairs with other molecular entities has received considerable attention. In this tutorial review we highlight different approaches used to replace natural base-pairs and equip them with novel function. We also discuss the advantages that non-natural base-pairs convey with respect to practical applications.
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