Noncovalent interactions between modified cytosine and guanine DNA base pair mimics investigated by terahertz spectroscopy and solid-state density functional theory

Matthew D. King, Timothy M. Korter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Modified cytosine and guanine nucleobases cocrystallize in a hydrogen bonding configuration similar to that observed in native DNA. The noncovalent interactions binding these base pairs in the crystalline solid were investigated using terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and solid-state density functional theory (DFT). While stronger hydrogen bonding interactions are responsible for the general molecular orientations in the crystalline state, it is the weaker dipole - dipole and dispersion forces that determine the overall packing arrangement. The inclusion of dispersion interactions in the DFT calculations was found to be necessary to accurately simulate the unit cell structure and THz vibrational spectrum. Using properly modeled intermolecular potentials, the lattice vibrational motions of the cytosine and guanine derivatives were calculated. The vibrational characters of the modes exhibited by the DNA base pair mimic in the THz region were primarily rotational motions and are indicative of the energies and the nature of vibrations that would likely be observed between similar base pairs in DNA molecules. (Figure presented)

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)14391-14396
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry A
Volume115
Issue number50
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 22 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Noncovalent interactions between modified cytosine and guanine DNA base pair mimics investigated by terahertz spectroscopy and solid-state density functional theory'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this