Ru-edta induced cleavage of DNA

RuIII-edta (edta, ethylenediaminetetraacetate) induced cleavage of pBluescript SK+ plasmid DNA in the presence of air with primary oxidant, PO (PO = H2O2, KHSO5) or reductant (L-ascorbic acid) has been studied at pH 7.2. The studies revealed that the RuIII-edta complex induces DNA cleavage in different ways. A mechanism suggesting the involvement of [RuV(edta)O]- in the oxidative cleavage of DNA is proposed for H2O2 and KHSO5. Generation of active oxygen radical species ( [image omitted]/OH•) is proposed for cleavage of DNA with RuIII-edta/ascorbate system. Results are discussed in reference to the data reported for the reaction of Ru-edta with DNA constituents, H2O2, KHSO5, and L-ascorbic acid.