Chapter 8, Problem 2Q

Summary Introduction

To explain: The way by which DNA-binding proteins make sequence-specific contacts to a double-stranded DNA molecule without breaking hydrogen bonds.

Introduction: DNA-binding proteins are the proteins that specifically bind to the strands of DNA, which includes enzymes (nucleases, polymerases, and ligases) involved in the DNA replication, transcription factors for mRNA synthesis, and translation factors for protein synthesis and histone molecules for chromosome packaging. So, these proteins are present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Summary Introduction

To indicate: The parts of base pairs that could form such non-covalent interactions.

Introduction: DNA-binding proteins have affinity for single- or double-stranded DNA, as they have DNA-binding domains. They bind non-covalently to interactive surfaces of sequence specific base pairs in the major groove. The chains in the major groove provide ionic charges and domains for binding of side chains of amino acids in proteins.