See the secret to DNA hookups
Scientists have uncovered how metal ions help DNA strands connect, solving a longstanding puzzle. Using a specialized microscope and simulations, they found that calcium ions bridge the strands, overcoming their natural repulsion. This discovery sheds new light on the fundamental workings of genetic material.
Calcium ions (white balls) bring together two identical DNA double helices in this computer simulation. Red indicates the grooves where information-carrying bases pair, and yellow marks the negatively charged DNA backbone.
Science News
