Versatile Oligonucleotides: B DNA, Z DNA, and DNA Hairpins as Seen in Aqueous Solution by Two-Dimensional NMR

Abstract

Abstract Approaches to the study of DNA polymorphism by means of NMR spectroscopy are explored. A method is outlined whereby sequence-dependent variations of sugar pucker in the major conformer of DNA duplexes can be investigated in solution. The results are compared with predictions based upon X-ray studies. The formation of hairpin loops in self-complementary DNA oligomers appears more common than thought previously. Some ‘rules of the game’ are discussed.