The reaction of the psoralens with deoxyribonucleic acid

Abstract

Psoralen photochemistry is specific for nucleic acids and is better understood at the molecular level than are all other methods of chemical modification of nucleic acids. These compounds are used both for in vivo structure analysis and for photochemotherapy since they easily penetrate both cells and virus particles. Apparently, natural selection has selected for membrane and virus penetrability during the evolution of these natural products. Most cells are unaffected by relatively high concentrations of psoralens in the absence of ultraviolet light, and the metabolites of the psoralens have thus far not created a problem. Finally, psoralens form both monoadduct and cross-links in nucleic acid helices, the yield of each being easily controlled by the conditions used during the photochemistry.