The electrostatic origin of low-hydration polymorphism in DNA.
Chemphyschem
; 9(18): 2691-4, 2008 Dec 22.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19006154
ABSTRACT
In recent years, significant progress has been made towards uncovering the physical mechanisms of low-hydration polymorphism in double-helical DNA. The effect appears to be mechanistically similar in different biological systems, and it is due to the ability of water to form spanning H-bonded networks around biomacromolecules via a quasi-two-dimensional percolation transition. In the case of DNA, disintegration of the spanning H-bonded network leads to electrostatic condensation of DNA strands because, below the percolation threshold, water loses its high dielectric permittivity, whereas the concentration of neutralizing counterions becomes high. In this Concept article arguments propose that this simple electrostatic mechanism represents the universal origin of low-hydration polymorphism in DNA.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
DNA
/
Water
/
Static Electricity
Language:
En
Journal:
Chemphyschem
Journal subject:
BIOFISICA
/
QUIMICA
Year:
2008
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
France