Introduction: Nucleic Acids Structure, Function, and Why Studying Them In Vacuo

Abstract

This introductory chapter sets the stage for the various methods and application that will be described in the book “Nucleic acids in the gas phase.” Using key review articles as references, nucleic acid structures are introduced, with progression from primary structure to the main secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of DNA and RNA. Nucleic acid function is also overviewed, from the roles of natural nucleic acids in biology to those of artificial nucleic acids in the biotechnology, biomedical, or nanotechnology fields. Importantly, the question of why studying nucleic acids in the gas phase is addressed from three different points of view. First, because isolated molecules in vacuo cannot exchange energy with their surroundings, reactivity can be studied in well-defined energetic conditions. Second, isolating molecules from their solvent and environment allow to study their intrinsic properties. Finally, the rapidly expanding field of mass spectrometry, an intrinsically gas-phase analysis method, calls for better understanding of ion structure and reactivity in vacuo.