O2-dependent cleavage of DNA by tetrazomine

The molecular oxygen reduction reaction yields O2-influenced cleavage of single-stranded and double-stranded DNA. The cleavage is performed by the antitumor antibiotic tetrazomine. The redox self-disproportionation of the oxazolidine moiety of the tetrazomine is the basis for the results obtained. The results reveal that redox chemistry of the oxazolidine fraction is similar to that of quinocarcin.