DNAmolekyle

DNAmolekyle is a hypothetical synthetic nucleic acid polymer designed as an analog to natural DNA. The term is used in theoretical discussions and some pedagogy to explore how information-bearing polymers might be engineered beyond canonical nucleotides. It is not a specific, widely recognized chemical entity in standard chemical databases.

In concept, DNAmolekyle features a backbone similar to DNA but uses modifications that permit expanded base-pairing schemes, increased stability, or alternative replication chemistry. Some designs employ modified sugar moieties and backbone linkages such as phosphorothioate or peptide-like bonds, while others adhere to a conventional deoxyribose-phosphate framework with additional protective groups. Bases can be canonical A, C, G, T, or include engineered nucleobases that form orthogonal pairs.

Synthesis and handling: It can be produced by solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis with extended chemistry or by enzymatic methods using engineered polymerases. Sequencing and amplification might require adapted protocols; the molecule's stability and resistance to nucleases can be tuned by chemical modifications.

Applications and research status: The concept is explored for high-density data storage, programmable nanostructures, and biosensing, benefiting from potential increased information density and custom base-pairing rules. Challenges include synthesis cost, error rates, scalability, and safety considerations, as well as uncertainty about replication fidelity.

In the literature, DNAmolekyle remains largely theoretical or experimental in early-stage studies; no standardized naming or cataloging exists akin to DNA. It sits among other synthetic nucleic acids (XNAs) as a research area at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and materials science.