Visualization of the intermediates in a uniform DNA condensation system bytapping mode atomic force microscopy

Citation
D. Liu et al., Visualization of the intermediates in a uniform DNA condensation system bytapping mode atomic force microscopy, SURF INT AN, 32(1), 2001, pp. 15-19
Citations number
30
Categorie Soggetti
Physical Chemistry/Chemical Physics
Journal title
SURFACE AND INTERFACE ANALYSIS
ISSN journal
01422421 → ACNP
Volume
32
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
15 - 19
Database
ISI
SICI code
0142-2421(200108)32:1<15:VOTIIA>2.0.ZU;2-J
Abstract
In this work, we report observation of the fine structure of cobalt-hexammi ne-induced DNA condensates by tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). A uniform system with minimum fluctuations of concentration was obtained by introducing a slow-evaporation method, which enables investigation of the i ntermediate structures in DNA condensation. Some toroid condensates had wel l-defined small globule subunits; some other condensates were composed of n odular sections with gauze-like complexes spreading around at the outskirts ; typical images revealed badly assembled toroidal condensates composed of small globules with a fraction of loosely associated globules dotted in the gauze-like complexes spreading around the badly-assembled part of the toro id. These observations indicate that DNA condensation seems to involve five major stages: initial rapid association of chains to form gauze-like compl exes; collapse of these gauze-like complexes at some critical sizes; growth of the critical nucleus by accretion, formation of rods by aggregation of condensed particles; and association of rod-like condensates to form toroid s. The results may shed light on uncovering the physical mechanism of DNA c ondensation by multivalent cations. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, L td.