Anisotropic flexibility of DNA and the nucleosomal structure

Potential energy calculations of the DNA duplex dimeric subunit show that the double helix may be bent in the direction of minor and major grooves much more easily than in other directions. It is found that the total winding angle of DNA decreases upon such bending. A new model for DNA folding in the nucleosome is proposed on the basis of these findings according to which the DNA molecule is kinked each fifth base pair to the side of the minor and major grooves alternatively. The model explains the known contradiction between a C-like circular dichroism for the nucleosomal DNA and the nuclease digestion data, which testify to the B-form of DNA.