Authors
Heather M Evans, A Ahmad, K Ewert, T Pfohl, A Martin-Herranz, RF Bruinsma, CR Safinya
Publication date
2003/8/11
Journal
Physical review letters
Volume
91
Issue
7
Pages
075501
Publisher
American Physical Society
Description
DNA condensation in vivo relies on electrostatic complexation with small cations or large histones. We report a synchrotron x-ray study of the phase behavior of DNA complexed with synthetic cationic dendrimers of intermediate size and charge. We encounter unexpected structural transitions between columnar mesophases with in-plane square and hexagonal symmetries, as well as liquidlike disorder. The isoelectric point is a locus of structural instability. A simple model is proposed based on competing long-range electrostatic interactions and short-range entropic adhesion by counterion release.
Total citations
200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202113976586129375633312
Scholar articles
HM Evans, A Ahmad, K Ewert, T Pfohl… - Physical review letters, 2003