Multiplicity of metal ion binding patterns to nucleobases

The systematic study of interactions between metal ions and nucleobases, the constituents of nucleic acids, as well as nucleic acids in general started some 50 years ago, around 1950. This review is an attempt to recall the developments in this field, to list metal binding patterns as established today, and to examine prospects for the future. The focus of this survey will be on the coordination chemistry of metal species with the heterocyclic parts of nucleobases. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.