Cylindrical poly(oligo-DNA).
Oligo-desoxyribonuleic acids (ODNs) having a sequence of 5'-TCC ATG ACG TTC-3' were modified at the 5' end by introduction of an amine group via a C6-amino linker. After subsequent reaction of the amine group with N-methacryloyloxysuccinimide, polymerizable ODNs were obtained. Free radical homopolymerization results in the formation of comb polymers, which possess an ODN side-chain at each repeating unit of the main chain. Mainly due to steric repulsion, the main chain has to adopt a semi-flexible wormlike shape instead of the otherwise preferred coiled structure. This leads to the formation of cylindrical poly(oligo-DNA) molecules. Characterization by static and dynamic light scattering of the poly(oligo-DNA) in aqueous solution gave a radius of gyration Rg,app = 67.8 nm, a hydrodynamic radius Rh,app = 44.6 nm, and a characteristic ratio of rho = Rg/Rh = 1.52, indicating the cylindrical shape in solution. In addition, the cylindrical poly(oligo-DNA) molecules were adsorbed onto mica and visualized by atomic force microscopy.
Fluegel
Sabine
S
Institute of Physical Chemistry, University Mainz, Welder Weg 11, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.
Maskos
Michael
M
D000588:Amines / Q000737:chemistry; D001483:Base Sequence; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D008027:Light; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
D000588:Amines; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; D011108:Polymers