“Metal-modified base pairs” vs. “metal-mediated pairs of bases”: not just a semantic issue!
Bernhard Lippert
Abstract
A "nucleobase pair" is not identical with a "pair of basic ligands", as only in the first case, the existence of inter-base hydrogen bonds is implied. The cross-linking of two nucleobases or two basic ligands by a metal ion of suitable geometry produces either "metal-modified" or "metal-mediated" species, but in the author's opinion, this difference is not always properly made. This commentary is an attempt to provide a clearer distinction between the two scenarios.
Topics & Concepts
NucleobaseMetalBase (topology)Base pairChemistryHydrogen bondComputational chemistryCombinatorial chemistryCrystallographyStereochemistryMoleculeMathematicsDNAOrganic chemistryBiochemistryMathematical analysisDNA and Nucleic Acid ChemistryMetal complexes synthesis and propertiesMolecular Sensors and Ion Detection