The present invention provides for the selective covalent modification of
nucleic acids with redox active moieties such as transition metal
complexes. Electron donor and electron acceptor moieties are covalently
bound to the ribose-phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid at predetermined
positions. The resulting complexes represent a series of new derivatives
that are bimolecular templates capable of transferring electrons over
very large distances at extremely fast rates. These complexes possess
unique structural features which enable the use of an entirely new class
of bioconductors and photoactive probes.