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Temperature-jump kinetics of the dC-G-T-G-A-A-T-T-C-G-C-G double helix containing a G. T base pair and the dC-G-C-A-G-A-A-T-T-C-G-C-G double helix containing an extra adenine

Journal Article · · Biopolymers; (United States)
The kinetics of helix formation were investigated using the temperature-jump technique for the following two molecules: dC-G-T-G-A-A-T-T-C-G-C-G, which forms a double helix containing a G.T base pair (the G.T 12-mer), and dC-G-C-A-G-A-A-T-T-C-G-C-G, which forms a double helix containing an extra adenine (the 13-mer). When data were analyzed in an all-or-none model, the activation energy for the helix association process was 22 +/- 4 kcal/mol for the G.T 12-mer and 16 +/- 7 kcal/mol for the 13-mer. The activation energy for the helix-dissociation process was 68 +/- 2 kcal/mol for the G.T 12-mer and 74 +/- 3 kcal/ for the 13-mer. Rate constants for recombination were near 10/sup 5/ s/sup -1/ M/sup -1/ inthe temperature range from 32 to 47/sup 0/C; for the dissociation process, the rate constants varied from 1 s/sup -1/ near 32/sup 0/C to 130 s/sup -1/ near 47/sup 0/C. Possible effects of hairpin loops and fraying ends on the above data are discussed. 19 references, 3 figures, 4 tables.
Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Berkeley
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
5965492
Journal Information:
Biopolymers; (United States), Journal Name: Biopolymers; (United States) Vol. 22; ISSN BIPMA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English