A Study of the Binding Reaction of Helix Destabilizing Protein of E Coli to DNA
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Authors
McQuiston, James H.
Issue Date
1979
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The double helical structure of DNA is the most stable conformation
under physiological conditions. However, during replication,
recombination and repair, the complementary strands of DNA must be at least partially separated and maintained in a single stranded conformation.
In order to have single-stranded regions of DNA one must have complete strand separation. The separation of strands involves
the "melting" of base pairs and the simultaneous unwinding of the two strands. Only recently has the mechanism of strand separation
been studied and since chain elongation at the replication fork is not sufficient in maintaining strand separation, another mechanism must
maintain separation. Because helix destabilizing proteins (HDP) are
defined as proteins that bind tightly and preferentially to singlestranded
DNA, they appear to be involved in many aspects of DNA
function and metabolism by serving to stabilize and protect singlestranded
sequences. Because of their importance within an organism,
the present investigation was initiated to study the binding reaction
and parameters which effect it using electrophoric measurements.
Description
34 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.