A novel minimal motif (Motif2) for left-handed G-quadruplex (LHG4) formation has been discovered, highlighting the role of split guanines and single thymine loops in promoting LHG4 structures.

Colorimetric detection of mercury ions (Hg(2+)) with the naked eye was accomplished within 1 min by a combination of non-crosslinking aggregation of double-stranded DNA-carrying gold nanoparticles and complex formation of thymine-Hg(2+)-thymine.

The biochemistry of vitamin Biz has been the subject of several recent reviews (1, 2, 3). Evidence currently available indicates that the vitamin is required for the reduction of formate to methionine and choline methyl. Indirect evidence implicates vitamin Biz in thymine biosynthesis. Thymine will replace the Blz requirements in certain microorganisms (3) and will induce a reticulocyte respons...

Very recently it has been shown that stable metal-mediated base pairs [Thymine-Hg-Thymine] can form in DNA. To estimate the effect of such pairs on the efficiency of charge transfer through DNA, we carry out quantum mechanical calculations of double-stranded pi-stacks GXG, GXXG, and GXXXG, where X = [Thymine-Hg-Thymine] and stacks GT(n)G of canonical base pairs. The charge-transfer efficiency i...

A real-time, label-free dual polarisation interferometry technique was used to investigate the interaction of Hg(2+) with a 21-mer T-rich oligonucleotide and further construct a Hg(2+) biosensor based on thymine-Hg(2+)-thymine coordination chemistry.