Conformational transitions of poly(dA-dT)poly(dA-dT) in ethanolic solutions

Nucleic Acids Res. 1982 Nov 11;10(21):6969-79. doi: 10.1093/nar/10.21.6969.

Abstract

Examination of circular dichroic and phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectra showed that poly(dA-dT)-poly(dA-dT) exhibited an ethanol-induced transition to the A form in an Na+ containing medium like natural DNAs. A mere replacement of the Na+ by Cs+ counterions meant that the polynucleotide was with a little cooperativity transformed into a novel conformation displaying a deep negative band in the long wavelength part of the CD spectrum. The presence of very low concentration of Cs2+ shifted the midpoint of the transition to a lower content of ethanol.

MeSH terms

  • Circular Dichroism
  • Ethanol
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Poly dA-dT*
  • Polydeoxyribonucleotides*
  • Solutions

Substances

  • Polydeoxyribonucleotides
  • Solutions
  • Poly dA-dT
  • Ethanol