Abstract
Watson and Crick1 proposed as a possible mechanism for mutation that changes in the tautomeric structure of a base of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) could induce its pairing with an anomalous base. In considering the possible correlation between the action of alkylating agents on DNA and the mutagenic activity of these agents, we mentioned in a recent report2 that it was not obvious how the initial action of alkylation of DNA, which has been shown to occur at N(7) of guanine moieties3,4, could affect base-pairing in DNA according to the Watson–Crick model. We therefore suggested that the subsequent loss of the alkylated guanine moiety from DNA (refs. 4 and 5) might be the chemical action necessary for mutation to result.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Watson, J. D., and Crick, F. H. C., Nature, 171, 964 (1953).
Lawley, P. D., and Brookes, P., Ann. Rep. Brit. Empire Cancer Campaign, 38, 10 (1960).
Lawley, P. D., and Wallick, C. A., Chem. and Indust., 633 (1957).
Brookes, P., and Lawley, P. D., Biochem. J., 77, 478 (1960).
Lawley, P. D., Proc. Chem. Soc., 290 (1957).
Brookes, P., and Lawley, P. D., J. Chem. Soc., 3923 (1961).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
LAWLEY, P., BROOKES, P. Acidic Dissociation of 7 : 9-Dialkylguanines and its Possible Relation to Mutagenic Properties of Alkylating Agents. Nature 192, 1081–1082 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1038/1921081b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1921081b0
This article is cited by
-
Probing conformational transitions towards mutagenic Watson–Crick-like G·T mismatches using off-resonance sugar carbon R1ρ relaxation dispersion
Journal of Biomolecular NMR (2020)
-
Effects of N7-methylation, N7-platination, and C8-hydroxylation of guanine on H-bond formation with cytosine: platinum coordination strengthens the Watson-Crick pair
Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry (2000)
-
DNA-Methylierung von monohalogenierten Methanen in F-344 Ratten
Journal of Tongji Medical University (1993)
-
Effect of guanine alkylation on mispairing
Nature (1976)
-
Nuclear and extranuclear mutations in yeast induced by ethyl methanesulfonate
Folia Microbiologica (1973)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
