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Advanced Confocal Microscopy Techniques to Study Protein-protein Interactions and Kinetics at DNA Lesions
Published on: November 12, 2017
Theoretical studies of hydrogen bond weakening of DNA base pairs using selective photon frequency radiation
Yawen Li1,2, Yan Jiang2, Zhengfei Wen2
1Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nuclear Science, Nuclear Energy Technology and Comprehensive Utilization, Weihai Frontier Innovation Institute of Nuclear Technology, School of Nuclear Science, Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University Shandong 250061 China.
Abstract:
DNA, the quintessential carrier and transmitter of genetic information within living organisms, has consistently captivated the scientific community with its intricate structure and multifaceted functionality, making it a cornerstone of life sciences research. This paper introduces a theoretical analysis of vibrational spectra of DNA base pairs and explores a new photon radiation approach for hydrogen bond weakening. Through meticulous analysis of vibrational modes within the infrared spectrum, we have determined the optical frequencies that correspond to the vibrational frequencies between bases, aiming to induce a photon-phonon resonant absorption that could deposit energy into the hydrogen bond. Based on first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we have simulated the infrared spectra of the adenine-thymine (A-T) and guanine-cytosine (G-C) base pairs, successfully identifying the characteristic peaks in base pairs linked to hydrogen bond vibrations. We propose that infrared lasers at around 3200 cm-1 could resonantly excite these N-H modes, potentially depositing energy into the hydrogen bonds and thereby facilitating their weakening under appropriate conditions. Beyond advancing the understanding of vibrational dynamics in DNA base pairs, this work outlines a photon-phonon coupling concept that may inspire future experimental studies in nucleic acid manipulation. The theoretical framework presented herein provides a reference for further theoretical and experimental investigations of vibrational resonances in isolated base pairs, while acknowledging that practical implementation requires overcoming challenges related to the chemical environment.
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