Physics – Biological Physics
Scientific paper
2010-01-06
Physics
Biological Physics
24 pages including figures and table
Scientific paper
Most bacteriophages are known to inject their double-stranded DNA into bacteria upon receptor binding in an essentially spontaneous way. This downhill thermodynamic process from the intact virion toward the empty viral capsid plus released DNA is made possible by the energy stored during active packaging of the genome into the capsid. Only indirect measurements of this energy have been available until now using either single-molecule or osmotic suppression techniques. In this paper, we describe for the first time the use of isothermal titration calorimetry to directly measure the heat released (or equivalently the enthalpy) during DNA ejection from phage lambda, triggered in solution by a solubilized receptor. Quantitative analyses of the results lead to the identification of thermodynamic determinants associated with DNA ejection. The values obtained were found to be consistent with those previously predicted by analytical models and numerical simulations. Moreover, the results confirm the role of DNA hydration in the energetics of genome confinement in viral capsids.
Castelnovo Martin
Evilevitch Alex
Jeembaeva Meerim
Jönsson Björn
No associations
LandOfFree
DNA heats up : Energetics of genome ejection from phage revealed by isothermal titration calorimetry does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with DNA heats up : Energetics of genome ejection from phage revealed by isothermal titration calorimetry, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and DNA heats up : Energetics of genome ejection from phage revealed by isothermal titration calorimetry will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-164186