Comparative CD and thermodynamic studies between sheared A:G and Watson-Crick A:U(T) base pairs in RNA and DNA.

Thermodynamic parameters for duplex formation were determined from CD melting curves for r(GGACGAGUCC)2 and d(GGACGAGTCC)2, both of which have been demonstrated to form two consecutive 'sheared' A:G base pairs at the center by our previous studies. The parameters were determined also for r(GGACUAGUCC)2 and d(GGACTAGTCC)2, where the A:G mismatches are replaced by Watson-Crick A:U(T) base pairs. Thermodynamic properties for duplex formation are compared between the sheared and the Watson-Crick base pairs, and between RNA and DNA. Difference in the thermodynamic stability is analyzed and discussed in terms of enthalpy and entropy changes.