Counterion distribution around DNA: variation with conformation and sequence

The three-dimensional Poisson-Boltzmann equation for the distribution of counterion charge density around double helical DNA has been solved by an iterative procedure. These computations have been performed for 0.01M monovalent salt solutions. A systematic study of the ten possible sequences found among adjacent nucleotide base pairs is presented for the A, B, and C conformations of DNA. In addition, calculations of the electrostatic stabilities of these conformations of DNA allows for comparison of the charge accumulation around each of the three conformers.