Mechanism of UV-induced formation of Dewar lesions in DNA

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2012 Jan 9;51(2):408-11. doi: 10.1002/anie.201106231. Epub 2011 Nov 23.

Abstract

The importance of a backbone: The mechanism of formation of Dewar lesions has been investigated by using femtosecond IR spectroscopy and ab initio calculations of the exited state. The 4π electrocyclization is rather slow, occurs with an unusual high quantum yield, and--surprisingly--is controlled by the phosphate backbone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cyclization
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA Damage / radiation effects*
  • Isomerism
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Phosphates / chemistry
  • Quantum Theory
  • Spectrophotometry, Infrared
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Phosphates
  • DNA