Marcus model of spontaneous point mutation in DNA

Abstract The theoretical model of Lowdin’s mechanism of spontaneous mutation based on 2D Marcus theory of DPT has been proposed in this work. The equation for the kinetics of DPT during DNA replication has been established, and the expression for the probability of spontaneous mutation has been received. The probability of spontaneous mutation formation has been estimated for tautomeric G ∗ –C ∗ complexes, which is in the range of experimental results. The probability of spontaneous mutation as a function of temperature, replication rate, and solvent effect has been discussed. It increases with temperature and decreases with replication rate. The solvent and pH effects on the probability of spontaneous mutation can also be discussed within the framework of the model.