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Parallel double stranded helices and the tertiary structure of nucleic acids
O F Borisova1, Golova YuB, B P Gottikh
1V.A. Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow.
Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamics
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Oligonucleotides form duplexes and hairpins at varying temperatures. The anti(A-T) oligomer forms a unique quadruplex structure, suggesting potential biological roles.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oligonucleotide Chemistry
Background:
- Oligonucleotides can self-assemble into various structures.
- Understanding these structures is crucial for nucleic acid research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermal denaturation and structural properties of four specific oligonucleotides.
- To explore the formation of duplexes, hairpins, and quadruplexes.
- To determine the thermodynamic parameters of these structures.
Main Methods:
- Thermal denaturation studies monitored by A260(T).
- Ethidium bromide binding experiments.
- Analysis of oligonucleotide self-assembly at different salt concentrations (0.1-1.0 M NaCl).
Main Results:
- All four oligonucleotides formed duplexes or larger complexes at low temperatures (0-20°C).
- At higher temperatures (30-70°C), hairpins with parallel or antiparallel orientations were observed.
- The anti(A-T) oligomer formed a four-stranded complex (quadruplex) at low ionic strength, featuring two antiparallel helices with parallel orientation stabilized by hydrogen bonds.
Conclusions:
- Oligonucleotide structural transitions are dependent on temperature and ionic strength.
- The anti(A-T) quadruplex represents a novel nucleic acid architecture.
- The study suggests potential biological functions for quadruplex structures.