Mimicking nature's leaving group

A synthetic leaving group to be used in DNA synthesis could lead to new antiviral drugs or an artificial rival to DNA, say European scientists. 

DNA can be synthesised using enzymes to catalyse the polymerisation of nucleoside triphosphate building blocks. Nucleoside monophosphates are incorporated in a growing nucleic acid chain, while pyrophosphates are released as leaving groups. Replacing the pyrophosphate leaving groups with synthetic alternatives could open up a range of biotech opportunities.  More...

http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/Journals/cb/Volume/2010/12/mimicking_natures_leaving_group.asp