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Review
. 2009 Nov;22(11):1747-60.
doi: 10.1021/tx900242k.

An overview of chemical processes that damage cellular DNA: spontaneous hydrolysis, alkylation, and reactions with radicals

Kent S Gates  1
Affiliations
Review

An overview of chemical processes that damage cellular DNA: spontaneous hydrolysis, alkylation, and reactions with radicals

Kent S Gates. Chem Res Toxicol. 2009 Nov.

Abstract

The sequence of heterocyclic bases on the interior of the DNA double helix constitutes the genetic code that drives the operation of all living organisms. With this said, it is not surprising that chemical modification of cellular DNA can have profound biological consequences. Therefore, the organic chemistry of DNA damage is fundamentally important to diverse fields including medicinal chemistry, toxicology, and biotechnology. This review is designed to provide a brief overview of the common types of chemical reactions that lead to DNA damage under physiological conditions.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Structure of DNA
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reactions of bifunctional electrophiles with DNA
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Figure 3
Chemically stable lesions resulting from DNA alkylation
Figure 4
Figure 4
Chemically labile lesions resulting from DNA alkylation
Figure 5
Figure 5
Oxidatively-damaged nucleobases
Scheme 1
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Scheme 19
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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