DNA Compaction and Charge Neutralization Regulated by Divalent Ions in very Low pH Solution

• Main Authors: Tianyong Gao, Wei Zhang, Yanwei Wang, Guangcan Yang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-02-01
• Series: Polymers
• Subjects: DNA compaction; charge neutralization; magnesium ions; pH regulation
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/11/2/337
• ISSN: 2073-4360

DNA conformation is strongly dependent on the valence of counterions in solution, and a valence of at least three is needed for DNA compaction. Recently, we directly demonstrated DNA compaction and its regulation, mediated by divalent cations, by lowering the pH of a solution. In the present study, we found that the critical electrophoretic mobility of DNA is promoted to around −1.0 × 10^−4 cm² V^−1 s^−1 to incur DNA compaction or condensation in a tri- and tetravalent counterions solution, corresponding to an about 89% neutralized charge fraction of DNA. This is also valid for DNA compaction by divalent counterions in a low pH solution. It is notable that the critical charge neutralization of DNA for compaction is only about 1% higher than the saturated charge fraction of DNA in a mild divalent ion solution. We also found that DNA compaction by divalent cations at low pH is weakened and even decondensed with an increasing concentration of counterions.