ESR of Cu(2+) bound to polynucleotides and derivatives.

Binding of Cu(2+) to polynucleotides has been found to occur at 1 Cu/5 polymer P and at similar molar ratios of copper to selected nucleic acid derivatives. Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements show that the g-values and the hyperfine splitting constants vary substantially among the different complexes. Binding of Cu(2+) to the phosphates as well as to the bases is observed, and in some cases occurs simultaneously.