Genomic salmon testes DNA as a catalyst for Michael reactions in water

The DNA molecule, recognized as the carrier of genetic information in vivo, can function as an efficient organocatalyst for Michael additions of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to activated alkenes in aqueous media. The procedure described here is environmentally benign and offers several advantages in terms of simplicity, generality and efficiency. We have used fluorescence spectroscopy to evaluate the catalytic activity of a molecule of DNA.