RNA, a shearing and splicing of the RNA molecules is required apart
from the actual transcription, and discovered RNA enzymes or
ribozymes in the early 1980s [2]. Subsequent development has been
rapid and today close to a hundred ribozymes are known. Нese
ribozymes were found in the intron of an RNA transcript, which
removed itself from the transcript, as well as in the RNA component of
the RNase P complex, which is involved in the maturation of pretRNAs
[2]. Altman and Cech were awarded the Nobel Prize in
chemistry in 1989 for their discovery of catalytic properties of RNA.
Нe discovery of catalytic RNA indicates that it is likely that the RNA
molecules were the first biomolecules to contain both the genetic
information and play a role as biocatalysts. НLs concept has Lnfluenced
profoundly on our understanding of how life on earth began and
developed.
DNA-based hybrid catalysis was introduced only ten years ago [3].
Нe catalytic properties of DNA hybrid catalysts are governed by the
disposition of the metal-binding site in the DNA duplex, the size of
catalytic cavity, and the composition of nucleobases in the catalytic
pocket. НLs concept has been applied successfully in a number of
archetypal C–C and C–O bond forming reactions, such as the copper
(II) catalyzed Diels-Alder, (oxa)- Michael addition and )rLedel-&rDіs
alkylation reactions [3]. During the last five years, DNA-based
asymmetric catalysis is rapidly emerging as a promising new concept
in catalysis and as a novel tool to be applied successfully in a variety of
catalytic enantioselective reactions. A DNA-based catalyst comprises a
transition metal complex based on a non-chiral ligand that is brought
into close proximity of the DNA helix. As a result the catalyzed
reaction takes place in, or very close to, the DNA helix, which allows
the chirality of DNA to be transferred onto the reaction, resulting in
products that have an excess in one of their enantiomers [4]. Нus
DNA has emerged as an attractive scDوٴold for the design of novel
enantioselective catalysts.