What are Caged or Light-activated Nucleotides?
Caged nucleotides are nucleotide analogs in which the terminal phosphate contains a blocking group. The blocking group or moiety is usually conjugated via an ester bond that renders the molecule inactive.
Ultraviolet photolysis of the caged nucleotide results in a rapid and localized release of the free nucleotide at the site of illumination.
The term “caging” refers to the chemical attachment of molecular groups such as the conjugation of a photo-labile protecting group to a biologically active molecule at a specific molecular location.
Characteristics of caged nucleotides
Attachment of the caging groups renters the active biological molecules inactive.
Irradiation with light at the required wavelength allows the selective removal of the photo-labile or caging group.
Removing of the caging group reactivates the activities of the biological molecule studied.
How can you order caged nucleotides?