Localization of positive charge in DNA induced by its interaction with environment

Abstract

Microscopic mechanisms of positive charge transfer in DNA remain unclear. A quantum state of electron hole in DNA is determined by the competition of the pi-stacking interaction $b$ sharing a charge between different base pairs and the interaction $\lambda$ with the local environment which attempts to trap charge. To determine which interaction dominates we investigated charge quantum states in various $(GC)_{n}$ sequences choosing DNA parameters satisfying experimental data for the balance of charge transfer rates $G^{+} \leftrightarrow G_{n}^{+}$, $n=2,3$ \cite{FredMain}. We show that experimental data can be consistent with theory only assuming $b\ll \lambda$ meaning that charge is typically localized within the single $G$ site. Consequently any DNA sequence including the one consisting of identical base pairs behaves more like an insulating material then a molecular conductor. Our theory can be verified experimentally, for instance measuring balance of charge transfer reactions $G^{+} \leftrightarrow G_{n}^{+}$, $n \geq 4$ and comparing the experimental results with our predictions.