Cisplatin function

[JohnWalkiewicz2J]

Can someone explain how cisplatin's structure contributes to its function in forming a coordination compound with DNA and stopping cell division? Thnx in advance.

[Maeve Miller 1A]

Cisplatin, being "cis" has the same type of atoms on the same side, which allows it to attach in two places on a DNA molecule. If it was trans and could only bind once, the bond would not be strong enough to block DNA polymerase. Since it is cis, however, it attaches to guanine and is able to block DNA polymerase from doing its job, stopping DNA replication which is useful for stopping cancer cells from spreading.