guanine7

Guanine7 is a proposed synthetic nucleobase intended to expand the genetic alphabet beyond the canonical four bases. Described in speculative discussions about DNA and RNA, guanine7 is presented as a purine-like base that could pair with a complementary synthetic partner, potentially enabling more than four bases per strand. There is no widely accepted chemical structure or experimental confirmation, and it is not found in nature.

Design and chemistry: In speculative literature, guanine7 is discussed as preserving the purine framework while aiming for selective pairing and recognition by engineered polymerases. Some conceptions describe a modified ring system or substituents that influence hydrogen bonding and fit with altered backbones. No standard synthesis or validation exists in mainstream chemistry.

Synthesis and incorporation: To date, guanine7 has not been demonstrated in reliable replication or transcription. Proposals assume specialized polymerases and altered backbones, but practical methods remain undeveloped and controversial.

Research status and applications: Guanine7 remains theoretical without demonstrated stability or biological compatibility. If realized, it could enhance information storage and enable new biotechnologies, but challenges include fidelity, cross-reactivity with natural nucleotides, toxicity, and regulatory concerns.

See also: Expanded genetic code, non-standard nucleic acids, synthetic biology.