DNA excited-state dynamics: from single bases to the double helix.
Annu Rev Phys Chem
; 60: 217-39, 2009.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19012538
Ultraviolet light is strongly absorbed by DNA, producing excited electronic states that sometimes initiate damaging photochemical reactions. Fully mapping the reactive and nonreactive decay pathways available to excited electronic states in DNA is a decades-old quest. Progress toward this goal has accelerated rapidly in recent years, in large measure because of ultrafast laser experiments. Here we review recent discoveries and controversies concerning the nature and dynamics of excited states in DNA model systems in solution. Nonradiative decay by single, solvated nucleotides occurs primarily on the subpicosecond timescale. Surprisingly, excess electronic energy relaxes one or two orders of magnitude more slowly in DNA oligo- and polynucleotides. Highly efficient nonradiative decay pathways guarantee that most excited states do not lead to deleterious reactions but instead relax back to the electronic ground state. Understanding how the spatial organization of the bases controls the relaxation of excess electronic energy in the double helix and in alternative structures is currently one of the most exciting challenges in the field.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
ADN
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Annu Rev Phys Chem
Año:
2009
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos