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Related Concept Videos

DNA Topoisomerases02:02

DNA Topoisomerases

36.8K
Topoisomerases are enzymes that relax overwound DNA molecules during various cell processes, including DNA replication and transcription. These enzymes regulate positive and negative DNA supercoiling without changing the nucleotide sequence. DNA overwinding in a clockwise direction results in positively supercoiled DNA, whereas underwinding in a counterclockwise direction produces negatively supercoiled DNA.
Types and Mechanism of action
Topoisomerases are divided into two main types. ...
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The Nucleosome01:19

The Nucleosome

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Human DNA is almost two meters long. However, it is compressed inside a tiny nucleus measuring only a few microns in diameter. To make this degree of compaction possible, DNA is organized into several sequential levels so that it can fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
In a chromosome, DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called a histone octamer core, which consists of 8 histone proteins. This...
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The Nucleosome02:33

The Nucleosome

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DNA in a human cell is almost 2m long and it is packed inside a tiny nucleus that is only a few microns in diameter. The level of compaction of DNA inside the nucleus is astonishing. It is organized into several sequentially higher levels of compaction to fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called histone core, that consist of 8 histone proteins. This complex...
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Single-Strand DNA Binding Proteins01:03

Single-Strand DNA Binding Proteins

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For successful DNA replication, the unwinding of double-stranded DNA must be accompanied by stabilization and protection of the separated single strands of the DNA. This crucial task is performed by single-strand DNA-binding (SSB) proteins. They bind to the DNA in a sequence-independent manner, which means that the nitrogenous bases of the DNA need not be present in a specific order for binding of SSB proteins to it. The binding of SSB proteins straightens single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and makes...
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Nucleic Acid Structure01:25

Nucleic Acid Structure

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The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms  a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
DNA Structure
DNA...
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The DNA Helix01:16

The DNA Helix

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Analyzing and Building Nucleic Acid Structures with 3DNA
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Protein/DNA interactions in complex DNA topologies: expect the unexpected.

Agnes Noy1, Thana Sutthibutpong2, Sarah A Harris3

  • 1Department of Physics, Biological Physical Sciences Institute, University of York, York, YO10 5DD UK.

Biophysical Reviews
|December 31, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

DNA supercoiling compacts DNA, influencing recognition by molecules and affecting gene control. This study explores how DNA topology impacts recognition thermodynamics and nuclear organization.

Keywords:
DNA structural organisationComputer simulationsDNA supercoilingDNA topologyDNA-binding proteinsThermodynamics

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • DNA supercoiling creates compact structures, bringing distant DNA sites closer.
  • Supercoiling alters local DNA structure, affecting recognition by proteins, drugs, and nucleic acids.

Approach:

  • Discusses the impact of DNA supercoiling and topology on DNA recognition thermodynamics.
  • Reviews literature and simulation examples on DNA topology's role in biological processes.

Key Points:

  • DNA supercoiling influences the thermodynamics of DNA recognition.
  • Complex DNA topologies affect gene regulation and the 3D organization of genetic material.
  • Introduces the concept of multi-scale coupling in nuclear organization via DNA supercoiling.

Conclusions:

  • DNA supercoiling and topology are critical for understanding DNA recognition, transcriptional control, and nuclear architecture.
  • The study highlights the interplay between DNA structure, function, and cellular organization.