Increase in temperature induces the Z to B transition of poly[d(G-C)] in water-ethanol solution

An increase in temperature from 20 to 50 degrees C results in the complete transition from the Z to B form of poly[d(G-C)], dissolved in a 55% ethanol-water solution. The transition is fully reversible and displays a slow kinetics. The transition profiles for the free polynucleotide and for that in the presence of ethidium bromide, which is known to stabilize the B form, are obtained by circular dichroism. Based on these data the enthalpy value for the B-Z transition in our conditions is estimated to be delta HBZ = -0.7 kcal/mol.