title: The folded genome of Escherichia coli isolated in a protein-DNA-RNA complex.
abstract: The DNA of Escherichia coli has been isolated in a compact structure containing small amounts of protein and RNA and having a sedimentation coefficient of approximately 3200 S. The molecular weight of the DNA in the complex is very large (probably higher than 10(9)); the protein is predominantly core RNA polymerase; the RNA is chiefly nascent messenger and ribosomal chains. Solutions containing the complex have low viscosities; this plus its sedimentation rate suggest that the DNA is in a tightly folded conformation. The DNA unfolds after exposure to RNase or heat; this indicates that an RNA component of the complex is involved in stabilizing the structure.
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D002499:Centrifugation, Density Gradient; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004589:Electrophoresis, Disc; D004926:Escherichia coli; D005827:Genetics, Microbial; D006358:Hot Temperature; D009691:Nucleic Acid Denaturation; D012329:RNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012260:Ribonucleases; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D012329:RNA, Bacterial; D012260:Ribonucleases