Electrostatic Zipper Motif for DNA Aggregation

A. A. Kornyshev and S. Leikin
Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 4138 – Published 17 May 1999
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Abstract

Counterion specificity of DNA condensation is rationalized from a theory of electrostatic interaction between helical molecules that accounts for different charge distribution patterns. An axial charge separation due to ion binding in helical grooves allows close approach of opposite charges along the DNA-DNA contact and forms an electrostatic “zipper” that “fastens” the molecules together. Predictions of the theory are in agreement with experimental data.

  • Received 2 December 1998

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.82.4138

©1999 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

A. A. Kornyshev

  • Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
  • and Research Center “Jülich,” D-52425 Jülich, Germany

S. Leikin*

  • Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
  • and Laboratory of Physical and Structural Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892

  • *To whom correspondence should be addressed. LPSB/NICHD, Bldg. 12A, Rm. 2041, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892. Electronic address: leikin@helix.nih.gov

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Vol. 82, Iss. 20 — 17 May 1999

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