Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Brutzer H
PROVIDER: S-EPMC2849096 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Brutzer Hergen H Luzzietti Nicholas N Klaue Daniel D Seidel Ralf R
Biophysical journal 20100401 7
Twisting a DNA molecule held under constant tension is accompanied by a transition from a linear to a plectonemic DNA configuration, in which part of the applied twist is absorbed in a superhelical structure. Recent experiments revealed the occurrence of an abrupt extension change at the onset of this transition. To elucidate its origin we study this abrupt DNA shortening using magnetic tweezers. We find that it strongly depends on the length of the DNA molecule and the ionic strength of the sol ...[more]