Methyl viologen is a groove-binding DNA ligand; that is, unlike an intercalator, which slips between bases, it slips into the grooves of the DNA helix.
You've probably heard of it as paraquat.
It is an herbicide, but it's not that specific; the stuff can hurt you, too. The mechanism of action here has less to do with it being a ligand for DNA, and more to do with its redox chemistry. Herbicides, including paraquat, have comprised a part of US anti-drug strategy for awhile. We've been spraying certain drug-related plants (mostly marijuana and opium) for decades, and we're still up to it. Note that lately, we're using glyphosate - RoundUp.
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1)The US intensely subsidizes Afghani poppy growers to bolster the local economy. Mexico is another big producer.
2) Brilliant red and white poppy fields are Officially invisible to airplane and satellite imaging.
3) The War on Drugs demands ever larger budgets to ferret out poppy growers worldwide.
4) Bullshit
5) Delish-brand poppy seed, 330 g for about $(US)3, is Persian White opium poppy. Wonderful for cooking, visually striking as large dried pods. Scatter a million seeds, sub-milligram each, in waste areas for a pretty spring bloom.
pls send more info how methyl viologens act ...
Paraquat is for sure the world's most controversial herbicide. Tens of thousands of people are poisoned by theherbicide Paraquat every year. Have a look at www.atop-paraquat.net
best
François
Reduced methyl viologen is also a beautiful deep blue, hence the name, and a very strong reducing agent.