THE CONSTRUCTION OF DNA HELICAL DUPLEXES ALONG PRESCRIBED 3-D CURVES

Curved DNA structures can be either intrinsic or induced through inter action with proteins. Large DNA molecules can adopt complex curved sha pes in space. Many curved DNA structures (e.g., Cro-operator, Cap-oper ator, nucleosomal DNA, etc.) are believed to have important biological functions. To model curved DNA molecules is a challenging task. In th is work, we introduce a method for the computer generation of DNA stru ctures having any prescribed 3-D shape in space. The approach is purel y geometrical and highly efficient. This method is used successfully t o construct an atomic level nucleosomal DNA that is consistent with th e experimental data. The smallest closed DNA circle we are able to con struct with the method is a 51 bp DNA duplex.