Base analog

Base analogs are analogs of the nucleic bases and are among the antimetabolites. You can alter the genetic material of a cell. The mutagenic effect is based on the modification of individual nucleic bases of DNA.

Base analogs are chemically similar to the nucleic bases of DNA and differ from them often in an active group. By the change of the molecular structure, these bases are able to mate with a variety of bases complementary, which may cause a point mutation in DNA. By a point mutation in a gene of the protein produced therefrom may also comprise a mutation, and may no longer be functional.

Base analogs can, but do not interfere with the transcription. Here the modification is important if they interfere sterically with the DNA -dependent DNA polymerase.

Examples

• 5 - bromouracil (5- BU ) and 5 -fluorouracil (5-FU ) are derived from uracil is replaced with hydrogen by bromine or fluorine. By keto -enol tautomerism 5 -BU and 5 -FU is able to, with both adenine to mate ( in the keto form ) or with guanine ( in the enol form ). This transitions can be triggered.

• 2 -aminopurine (2- AP) is an isomer of adenine (6- aminopurine ). By imine -enamine tautomerism 2 -AP to enable both to mate with thymine ( in the amino form ) as well as with cytosine ( in the imino form ). This transitions can be triggered.

• Nucleic