Electrontransfer through DNA and metal-containing DNA

DNA is currently explored as a new material for functional, molecular nano-architectures. In this respect, one major question is to transform DNA into a conducting material which has the potential for self-assembly into electronically active networks. The article covers recent insight into how DNA transports positive (holes) and negative (excess electrons) charges. It was found that holes move through DNA over significant distances using a G- and to a lesser extent also A-based hopping mechanism. EPR studies and recent investigations with model systems show that excess electrons can also hop through the duplex. The second part of the article describes how DNA is currently modified, particularly coated with metals, in order to increase the conductivity.