Electrostatic zipper motif for DNA aggregation

Citation
Aa. Kornyshev et S. Leikin, Electrostatic zipper motif for DNA aggregation, PHYS REV L, 82(20), 1999, pp. 4138-4141
Citations number
28
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
ISSN journal
00319007 → ACNP
Volume
82
Issue
20
Year of publication
1999
Pages
4138 - 4141
Database
ISI
SICI code
0031-9007(19990517)82:20<4138:EZMFDA>2.0.ZU;2-5
Abstract
Counterion specificity of DNA condensation is rationalized from a theory of electrostatic interaction between helical molecules that accounts for diff erent charge distribution patterns. an axial charge separation due to ion b inding in helical grooves allows close approach of opposite charges along t he DNA-DNA contact and forms an electrostatic "zipper" that "fastens" the m olecules together. Predictions of the theory are in agreement with experime ntal data.