A constant radius of curvature model for the organization of DNA in toroidal condensates.

TitleA constant radius of curvature model for the organization of DNA in toroidal condensates.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1995
AuthorsHud, NV, Downing, KH, Balhorn, R
JournalProc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Volume92
Issue8
Pagination3581-5
Date Published1995 Apr 11
ISSN0027-8424
KeywordsAnimals, Cattle, DNA, Freeze Etching, Microscopy, Electron, Models, Chemical, Nucleic Acid Conformation, Thymus Gland
Abstract

Toroidal DNA condensates have received considerable attention for their possible relationship to the packaging of DNA in viruses and in general as a model of ordered DNA condensation. A spool-like model has primarily been supported for DNA organization within toroids. However, our observations suggest that the actual organization may be considerably different. We present an alternate model in which DNA for a given toroid is organized within a series of equally sized contiguous loops that precess about the toroid axis. A related model for the toroid formation process is also presented. This kinetic model predicts a distribution of toroid sizes for DNA condensed from solution that is in good agreement with experimental data.
Alternate JournalProc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
PubMed ID7724602
PubMed Central IDPMC42211
Grant ListGM36884 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States