Fluctuational opening-closing reactions in dna and mononucleosome cores of chromatin probed by h-exchange and ligand binding reactions

Abstract

The DNA double helix represents a dynamic structure in solution that undergoes a spectrum of conformational opening and closing reactions under conditions remote from onset of denaturation. Two kinds of opening reactions of the double helix are manifested by: (a) the ability of base and solvent protons to exchange; and (b) the access of the duplex interior to intercalating agents such as ethidium bromide.