Testing of A size criterion for DNA–hydrocarbon binding

The intercalation model of DNA–hydrocarbon binding appears reasonable, but rests on indirect evidence only. To test the model, a size criterion for binding has been proposed. The size criterion is based on the assumption that hydrophobic forces play a major role in the binding of hydrocarbons to DNA. It states that hydrocarbons which are small enough to intercalate into DNA and be well protected from contact with the medium, will be found to bind to DNA; those that are too large will not. We report results on the binding of fourteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to DNA. Predictions based on the size criterion were found to be valid in all cases tested.