xDNA: A New Genetic System?

Professor Eric Kool and his co-workers have developed " eXpanded DNA " dubbed "xDNA". The synthetic xDNA is expanding by adding benzene molecule to the base on the nucleotides and is a bit longer than the regular 'B' form.


Unlike natural DNA, the expanded DNA is fluorescent and is considerably more stable when subjected to higher temperatures. Its unusual fluorescent properties could make it useful as a probe or diagnostic marker.

Is xDNA also capable of replicating? That is something Kool hopes to find out. Experiments with xDNA are expected to provide new insight into the behavior of natural DNA.

Ref: E. Kool, et al. Angew. Chem Int. Ed., 44, 3118-3122 (2005), JACS , 128, 9219-9230 (2006).