DNA Equation of State: In Vitro vs In Viro

J Phys Chem B. 2016 Jul 7;120(26):6051-60. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b02017. Epub 2016 Apr 25.

Abstract

We formulate a continuum approach to the equation of state (density dependence of osmotic pressure) of bulk DNA and encapsidated DNA, as well as review the phase diagram of DNA in the regime of densities relevant for DNA packing in bacteriophages. We derive the first integral of the equilibrium equations that connects the behavior of DNA in the bulk and in nanoscale enclosures, and we delineate the changes wrought upon the mesophase equilibria of encapsidated DNA. We show how multiphase equilibria and complicated spatial distribution of DNA density and orientation can emerge due to the curvature contribution to the DNA osmotic pressure within the capsid.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophages / chemistry
  • Bacteriophages / genetics
  • Bacteriophages / metabolism
  • Capsid / chemistry
  • Capsid / metabolism
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Osmotic Pressure
  • Solutions / chemistry

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Solutions