ISSN:
0006-3525
Keywords:
Z-DNA
;
single crystals
;
nucleotide
;
hydration
;
conformation
;
polymers
;
genomic sequences
;
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
We review the effect of sequence on the structure of left-handed Z-DNA in single crystals. The various substituent groups that define a nucleotide base as guanine, cytosine, thymine, or adenine affect both the DNA conformation and the organization of solvent around the duplex. These are discussed in terms of their effect on the ability of sequences to adopt the unusual Z-DNA structure. In addition, the experimental and theoretical methods used to treat DNA hydration are discussed as they relate to the stability of Z-DNA. Finally, we argue that Z-DNA, as defined by the crystal conformation, is sufficient in itself to account for the physical properties of left-handed conformations observed in polymers and in genomic sequences. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopoly 44: 65-90, 1997
Additional Material:
9 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
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