Undulations enhance the effect of helical structure on DNA interactions.

ABSTRACT: During the past decade, theory and experiments have provided clear evidence that specific helical patterns of charged groups and adsorbed (condensed) counterions on the DNA surface are responsible for many important features of DNA-DNA interactions in hydrated aggregates. The effects of helical structure on DNA-DNA interactions result from a preferential juxtaposition of the negatively charged sugar phosphate backbone with counterions bound within the grooves of the opposing molecule. Analysis of X-ray diffraction experiments confirmed the mutual alignment of parallel molecules in hydrated aggregates required for such juxtaposition. However, it remained unclear how this alignment and molecular interactions might be affected by intrinsic and thermal fluctuations, which cause structural devi

SUBMITTER: Lee DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2937169 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature