ABSTRACT
There are several groups of models of nucleic acids and related biopolymers prepared by polymer chemists. Mostly, however, these models were based in the past on the hydrophobic chains derived from the vinyl monomers. These are, for instance, polymers like polyvinyl-adenine 1, or polyvinyluracyl 2. There are three major reasons to prepare these models of NA; it has been assumed first that they should show an important biological activity, due to the base-base type interactions with NA. Pitha, however, summed up the extensive screening by concluding that the non-electrolytic nature of these polymers precluded their diffusion into cells, where they were supposed to act. The second area of interest is related to the structural studies of NA themselves. The third important application of these models stems from their structural features. Naturally occurring polyphosphates, nucleic and teichoic acids, exist at the physiological pH as poly salts and therefore behave as polyelectrolytes.
