Expanding the Potential of DNA for Binding and Catalysis: Highly Functionalized dUTP Derivatives That Are Substrates for Thermostable DNA Polymerases

The discovery of a simple structural motif allows for the enzymatic synthesis by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) of modified DNA (see reaction scheme) bearing side chains similar or even identical to those of several amino acids. Libraries of DNA functionalized with both cationic and anionic groups may now be readily prepared. R=I, HgCl; X=functional group.