X-ray crystallographic analysis of the hydration of A- and B-form DNA at atomic resolution

Biopolymers. 1998;48(4):234-52. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0282(1998)48:4<234::AID-BIP4>3.0.CO;2-H.

Abstract

We have determined single crystal structures of an A-DNA decamer and a B-DNA dodecamer at 0.83 and 0.95 A, respectively. The resolution of the former is the highest reported thus far for any right-handed nucleic acid duplex and the quality of the diffraction data allowed determination of the structure with direct methods. The structures reveal unprecedented details of DNA fine structure and hydration; in particular, we have reexamined the overall hydration of A- and B-form DNA, the distribution of water around phosphate groups, and features of the water structure that may underlie the B to A transition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallography, X-Ray / methods
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / ultrastructure
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / chemistry*
  • Phosphates / chemistry
  • Spermine / chemistry
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
  • Phosphates
  • Water
  • Spermine
  • DNA