Spatial configurations of polynucleotide chains. I. Steric interactions in polyribonucleotides: A virtual bond model

A simplified scheme for treating the spatial configurations of polynucleotide chains is developed using the rotational isomeric state approximation and statistical methods applicable to linear systems of interacting subunits. As a consequence of geometric constraints imposed by the skeletal structure and of the severity of certain steric interactions, it is possible to represent the repeat unit comprising six skeletal bonds by two virtual bonds of fixed length. The configuration of the polynucleotide chain as a whole may be conveniently described by an alternating succession of these two virtual bonds. Moreover, analysis of steric interactions suggests that bond rotations governing the mutual orientation of a given pair of successive virtual bonds should be sensibly independent of the rotations affecting the mutual orientation of other pairs. The statistical mechanical treatment of configuration‐dependent properties is much simplified in consequence of this mutual independence. Mean‐square dimensions calculated by giving equal weights to all sterically allowed conformations are much smaller than values determined by Felsenfeld and co‐workers. The calculated dimensions are markedly increased, however, by placing certain arbitrary restrictions on the rotations about selected pairs of skeletal bonds. It is thus demonstrated that steric interactions alone are insufficient to account for the spatial characteristics of polynucleotide chains. The dimensions are also found to be sensitive to the conformation of the ribose ring of each nucleotide unit, but, insofar as the influences of steric interactions are concerned, the dimensions do not depend on the heterocyclic base attached to the ribose ring.