Characterization of Z-DNA by Infrared Spectroscopy

Fengqiu Zhang; Qing Huang

doi:10.1007/978-1-0716-3084-6_3

Characterization of Z-DNA by Infrared Spectroscopy

Methods Mol Biol. 2023:2651:53-58. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3084-6_3.

Authors

Fengqiu Zhang¹, Qing Huang²

Affiliations

¹ Henan Key Laboratory of Ion-Beam Bioengineering, School of Physics and Microelectronics, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
² Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China. huangq@ipp.ac.cn.

PMID: 36892758
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3084-6_3

Abstract

Infrared spectrum stems from the matter's absorption of light in the infrared (IR) light region. Generally, this infrared light absorption is due to the transition of vibrational and rotational energy levels of the involved molecule. Since different molecules have different structures and vibration modes, infrared spectroscopy can therefore be widely applied to analyze the chemical compositions and structures of molecules. Here we describe the method of application of infrared spectroscopy in the investigation of Z-DNA in cells, as infrared spectroscopy can distinguish DNA secondary structures sensitively and the band at 930 cm^-1 is specifically attributed to the Z-form DNA. Based on the curve fitting, the relative content of Z-DNA in the cells may be evaluated.

Keywords: DNA conformations; Infrared (IR) spectroscopy; Z-DNA.

MeSH terms

DNA
DNA, Z-Form*
Spectrophotometry, Infrared / methods
Vibration

Substances

DNA, Z-Form
DNA