DNA in human and stallion spermatozoa forms local hexagonal packing with twist and many defects.
J Struct Biol
; 134(1): 76-81, 2001 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11469879
ABSTRACT
In human and other mammal sperm nuclei, DNA is packed in a highly condensed state, the structure of which remains unsolved. Cryoelectron microscopy of vitrified sections provides a first direct view of the local arrangement of the nucleoprotamine filament. DNA aligns in parallel in layers and its orientation rotates along a single-twist direction as in a cholesteric liquid crystal. The structure contains numerous defects, which introduce locally double-twist configurations. Destruction of the SS bonds with dithiotrehitol relaxes the twist and favors the extension of the hexagonal close packing of the filaments, though keeping constant their interfilament distance.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Espermatozoides
/
DNA
/
Cavalos
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Struct Biol
Ano de publicação:
2001
Tipo de documento:
Article