The spectral study concerning the connection of mithramycin and chromomycin to calf thymus DNA

Mithramycin and chromomycin A(3) are two related anticancer drugs belonging to the aureolic family of antibiotics. The binding of the drugs to calf thymus DNA is investigated using absorbance measurements. The results are rationalized taking into account both self-association of the drug and the cooperativity effects. Both drugs present self-associates in phosphate buffers at concentrations higher than was 10 mu M. The binding constants of drugs to DNA are determined using Schwarz and Watanabe methods in different conditions.