Excited-State Structural Dynamics of Nucleic Acids and Their Components

Abstract

Nucleic acids are the very essence of life, containing the genetic potential of all organisms. However, the sheer size of nucleic acids makes them susceptible to a variety of environmental insults. Of these, ultraviolet-induced damage to nucleic acids has received extensive attention due to its role in disease. The primary step in ultraviolet-induced damage is the absorption of light and the subsequent electronic and structural dynamics on the excited-state potential energy surface. In this chapter, we will review the use of Raman and resonance Raman spectroscopy as a means of obtaining excited-state structural dynamics. Specifically, the application of Raman and resonance Raman spectroscopy to determine the excited-state structural dynamics of nucleic acids and their components will be discussed.