DNA structure: cations in charge?
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Updated: Oct 20, 2026

Stable DNA Motifs, 1D and 2D Nanostructures Constructed from Small Circular DNA Molecules
Published on: April 12, 2019
L McFail-Isom1, C C Sines, L D Williams
1School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332-0400, USA.
Abstract:
Recent X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy and molecular mechanics results suggest that monovalent cations selectively partition into the minor groove of AT-tracts in DNA. These observations are consistent with DNA deformation by electrostatic collapse around areas of uneven cation density. This model predicts the occurrence of known DNA deformations, such as AT-tract bending and changes in the minor-groove width.
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