Journal article
Solution structure of a short dna fragment studied by neutron scattering
The solution structure of a DNA fragment of 130 base pairs and known sequence has been investigated by neutron small-angle scattering. In 0.1 M NaCl, the overall structure of the DNA fragment which contains the strong promoter A1 of the Escherichia coli phage T7 agrees with that expected for B-DNA. The neutron scattering curve is well fitted by that of a rigid rod with a length of 44 nm and a diameter of 2 nm.
The result were confirmed by quasi-elastic light scattering and analytical centrifugation. The neutron measurements in H2O and D2O buffer reveal a cross-sectional in homogeneity not detected by X-ray small-angle scattering. This inhomogeneity is caused by the hydration layer around the DNA core and not by the helical structure.
The primary solvent shell has a density increased by at least 4-9% compared to bulk water.
Language: | English |
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Year: | 1986 |
Pages: | 191-196 |
ISSN: | 14321033 and 00142956 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1986.tb10141.x |