Superhelical DNA studied by solution scattering and computer models

Genetica. 1999;106(1-2):49-55. doi: 10.1023/a:1003720610089.

Abstract

We present here recent results on the structure of superhelical DNA and its changes with salt concentration between 0.01 and 1.5 M NaCl. Scattering curves of two different superhelical DNAs were determined by static light scattering. The measured radii of gyration do not change significantly with salt concentration. Small-angle neutron scattering, together with calculations from a Monte Carlo model, allows to determine the superhelix diameter. Measured and simulated scattering curves agreed almost quantitatively. Experimentally we find that the diameter decreases from 16.0 +/- 0.9 nm at 10 mM to 9.0 +/- 0.7 nm at 100 mM NaCl. The superhelix diameter from the simulated conformations decreased from 18.0 +/- 1.5 nm at 10 mM to 9.4 +/- 1.5 nm at 100 mM NaCl. At higher salt concentrations up to 1.5 M NaCl, the diameter stays constant at 9 nm.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • DNA, Superhelical / chemistry*
  • Escherichia coli
  • Light
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Neutrons
  • Plasmids
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Solutions

Substances

  • DNA, Superhelical
  • Solutions
  • Sodium Chloride