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Enzymatic incorporation of a new base pair into DNA and RNA extends the genetic alphabet

Nature volume 343, pages 33–37 (1990)Cite this article

Abstract

A new Watson-Crick base pair, with a hydrogen bonding pattern different from that in the A·T and G·C base pairs, is incorporated into duplex DNA and RNA by DNA and RNA polymerases and expands the genetic alphabet from 4 to 6 letters. This expansion could lead to RNAs with greater diversity in functional groups and greater catalytic potential.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory for Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, CH-8092, Switzerland

    Joseph A. Piccirilli, Steven A. Benner, Tilman Krauch, Simon E. Moroney & Steven A. Benner

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  1. Joseph A. Piccirilli
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  2. Steven A. Benner
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  3. Tilman Krauch
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  4. Simon E. Moroney
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  5. Steven A. Benner
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Piccirilli, J., Benner, S., Krauch, T. et al. Enzymatic incorporation of a new base pair into DNA and RNA extends the genetic alphabet. Nature 343, 33–37 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1038/343033a0

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