title: Alternative DNA base-pairs: from efforts to expand the genetic code to potential material applications.
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.
authors: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors: Filip
authors: F
authors: Wojciechowski
authors: Christian J
authors: CJ
authors: Leumann
mesh_terms: D020029:Base Pairing; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics*; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
chemical_list: D004247:DNA