[Conformational properties of protamines].
Conformational peculiarities of protamines in a wide range of various conditions have been studied by the CD and X-ray analysis. Characteristic peculiarities of CD-spectra and position of diffraction maximum in X-ray diagrams of protamines argue in favor that their conformation is similar to that of the extended left handed helix of poly(L)-proline II. Though conformation parameters of this structure are very sensitive to temperature or pH variations, to specific action of different ions, alcohols, and detergents the structure itself is rather stable and is destroyed under extreme conditions only. This conformation seems to be optimal for protamines to interact with DNA and necessary for cross-linking of DNA molecules and for the more dense packing of chromatin.
D002942:Circular Dichroism; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007700:Kinetics; D011479:Protamines; D011487:Protein Conformation; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D011479:Protamines
Konformatsionnye osobennosti protaminov.