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Direct Observation of Histone-Induced DNA Shortening |
RAN Shi-Yong1;WANG Xiao-Ling1;FU Wen-Bo1;LAI Zhen-Hua1;WANG Wei-Chi1;LIU Xiao-Qing2;MAI Zhen-Hong1;LI Ming1 |
1Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080
2Life Science College, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100037 |
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Cite this article: |
RAN Shi-Yong, WANG Xiao-Ling, FU Wen-Bo et al 2006 Chin. Phys. Lett. 23 507-507 |
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Abstract We construct a system of magnetic tweezers and apply it to study the interaction between histones and DNA. The condensation of DNA by purified histones at low ionic strengths is directly monitored by recording the length of the DNA as a function of elapsed time. It is found that DNA condensates in a dynamic manner. The binding of histones to DNA is energetically favoured, but the tension applied on DNA tends to unravel the DNA-histone complex. The competition between the two processes determines the rate of the DNA condensation.
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Keywords:
87.14.Gg
87.15.La
87.15.He
87.16.Sr
87.80.Fe
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Published: 01 February 2006
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