Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), until recently regarded as a relatively stiff and regularly built double helix, in reality displays a multitude of surprising local structural variations. According to X-ray crystallographic findings, three different families of DNA structures exists: the right-handed duplexes A DNA and B DNA as well as the left-handed duplex Z DNA. Modern 2D NMR techniques now allow for unequivocal assignment of base proton resonances and at least Hl′, H2′, H2″ signals in intact DNA duplexes. Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement (NOE) intensities then lead to a quick determination of the overall structure (B or Z DNA, the A form thus far has not been detected in aqueous solution). However, the study of finer structural details requires the determination and interpretation of vicinal coupling constants. Examples of local structural variations of the sugar ring in single-helical as well as in double-helical DNAs are given.
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