Synthesis of covalently linked parallel and antiparallel DNA duplexes containing the metal-mediated base pairs T-Hg(II)-T and C-Ag(I)-C.

DNA duplexes fixed in anti-parallel and parallel orientations by introducing covalent linkages have been synthesized and metal ions, Hg(II) and Ag(I), were incorporated into pyrimidine-pyrimidine base pairs.