Modeling of prebiotic catalysis with adenylated polymeric templates: crystal structure studies and kinetic characterization of template-assisted phosphate ester hydrolysis.

We have synthesized and characterized novel, copper-metalated, polymeric templates that contain adenine nucleobases. These promote hydrolysis of non-natural and natural phosphate ester substrates in a highly efficient and catalytic fashion. The crystal structure of the cooper-containing adenylated monomer reveals the formation of a polymeric array, through coordination to both N1 and N7 atoms. Possible implications of these studies for prebiotic catalysis, involving synergism between adenine and copper ions, are also discussed.