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Energetics of the lattice: packing elements in crystals of four-stranded intercalated cytosine-rich DNA moleculesCondensation of single molecules from solution into crystals represents a transition between distinct energetic states. In solution, the atomic interactions within the molecule dominate. In the crystalline state, however, a set of additional interactions are formed between molecules in close contact in the lattice--these are the packing interactions. The crystal structures of d(CCCT), d(TAACCC), d(CCCAAT), and d(AACCCC) have in common a four-stranded intercalated cytosine segment, built by stacked layers of cytosine.cytosine+ (C.C+) base pairs coming from two parallel duplexes that intercalate into each other with opposite polarity. The intercalated cytosine segments in these structures are similar in their geometry, even though the sequences crystallized in different space groups. In the crystals, adenine and thymine residues of the sequences are used to build the three-dimensional crystal lattice by elaborately interacting with symmetry-related molecules. The packing elements observed provide novel insight about the copious ways in which nucleic acid molecules can interact with each other--for example, when folded in more complicated higher order structures, such as mRNA and chromatin.
Document ID
20040172694
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Berger, I.
(Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge 02139, United States)
Cai, L.
Chen, L.
Rich, A.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1997
Publication Information
Publication: Biopolymers
Volume: 44
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0006-3525
Subject Category
Exobiology
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Exobiology

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