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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Iterative Optimization of DNA Duplexes for Crystallization of SeqA-DNA Complexes
Published on: November 1, 2012
Recognition of Watson-Crick base pairs: constraints and limits due to geometric selection and tautomerism
Eric Westhof1, Marat Yusupov2, Gulnara Yusupova2
1Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire CNRS, 15 rue René Descartes, F-67084 Strasbourg Cedex France.
Abstract:
The natural bases of nucleic acids have a strong preference for one tautomer form, guaranteeing fidelity in their hydrogen bonding potential. However, base pairs observed in recent crystal structures of polymerases and ribosomes are best explained by an alternative base tautomer, leading to the formation of base pairs with Watson-Crick-like geometries. These observations set limits to geometric selection in molecular recognition of complementary Watson-Crick pairs for fidelity in replication and translation processes.
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