Charge Transfer in Natural and Artificial Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are known for their impressive range of applications and are thoroughly studied in various ways. One of the most fascinating properties of nucleic acids is their ability to perform reductive and oxidative charge transfer. This phenomenon was mostly described and discussed in DNA, although it was also reported in other nucleic acid types. Important findings include the differences and similarities of the charge transfer efficiency in comparison to the DNA duplex systems. Thus, raising the question of which structural requirements are needed for conductance properties in nucleic acids. This chapter will give an overview about charge transfer abilities of RNA, PNA, and LNA also considering the hybrid structures between different nucleic acid types.