Conformational stability of alternating d (CG) oligomers in high salt solution

Abstract

The conformation of d (CG)n oligomers with n = 2,3 has been studied in aqueous solution in the presence of high salt concentration. A minimum n value of three is necessary to obtain a left-handed Z-helix. When d (CG)3 is flanked by three non Z-helicogenic alternating AT sequences the left-handed helix is unstable and a B-type conformation is obtained also at high salt concentration.