Molecules: You'd better learn to live with them.
Methyl viologen is a groove-binding DNA ligand; that is, unlike an intercalator, which slips between bases, it slips into the grooves of the DNA helix.
You've probably heard of it as paraquat.
It is an herbicide, but it's not that specific; the stuff can hurt you, too. The mechanism of action here has less to do with it being a ligand for DNA, and more to do with its redox chemistry. Herbicides, including paraquat, have comprised a part of US anti-drug strategy for awhile. We've been spraying certain drug-related plants (mostly marijuana and opium) for decades, and we're still up to it. Note that lately, we're using glyphosate - RoundUp.
Comments
Paraquat is for sure the world's most controversial herbicide. Tens of thousands of people are poisoned by theherbicide Paraquat every year. Have a look at www.atop-paraquat.net
best
François
Posted by: Francois Meienberg | December 13, 2006 10:38 AM
Reduced methyl viologen is also a beautiful deep blue, hence the name, and a very strong reducing agent.
Posted by: Dan | December 15, 2006 4:36 PM