Abstract
It is rare that a fully functional biological system presents a simple biophysical problem. The problem of viral DNA packaging comes tantalizingly close: What forces are required to stuff double-stranded DNA of fixed length into a container of fixed volume? Now that biophysicists have developed the capability to measure such forces, theoretical solutions to this problem can be directly tested, as shown in the article by Fuller et al. (1) in this issue of PNAS. Because the theories describing these experiments involve relatively simple thermodynamics, the experiments present an excellent model system to test our understanding of DNA biophysics. Surprisingly, the authors find that recent models to describe DNA packaging in bacteriophages do not quantitatively predict the results of experiments in which solution conditions are changed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
