Volumetric characterization of the hydration properties of heterocyclic bases and nucleosides

Citation
A. Lee et Tv. Chalikian, Volumetric characterization of the hydration properties of heterocyclic bases and nucleosides, BIOPHYS CH, 92(3), 2001, pp. 209-227
Citations number
63
Categorie Soggetti
Biochemistry & Biophysics","Physical Chemistry/Chemical Physics
Journal title
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
ISSN journal
03014622 → ACNP
Volume
92
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
209 - 227
Database
ISI
SICI code
0301-4622(20010918)92:3<209:VCOTHP>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
We have determined the partial molar volumes, expansibilities and adiabatic compressibilities of six heterocyclic nucleic acid bases, five ribonucleos ides and six 2'-deoxyribonucleosides within the temperature range 18-55 deg reesC. We interpret the resulting data in terms of the hydration of the com ponent hydrophobic and polar atomic groups. From our temperature-dependent volumetric studies, we found that the total contraction of water caused by polar groups of each individual heterocyclic base and nucleoside depends on the proximity and chemical nature of other functional groups of the solute . In addition, the compressibility contributions of polar groups vary great ly in sign and magnitude depending on the surrounding functional groups. In agreement with previous studies, our results are suggestive of little or n o interaction between the sugar and base moieties of a nucleoside. In gener al, our data shed light into the hydration properties of individual heteroc yclic bases and nucleosides, which may have significant implications for th e sequence-dependent hydration of nucleic acids. We discuss the potential i mportance of our results for developing an understanding of the role that s olvent plays in the stabilization/destabilization of nucleic acid structure s. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.