A new insight into how DNA is held together by hydrophobic effects
This release was amended on 26/09/19 to clarify the impact of the research. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have discovered a new aspect to the way that DNA binds itself, and the role played by hydrophobic effects. They show how small changes in water properties can delicately control the binding process. The discovery opens doors for new understanding in research in medicine and life sciences. The research is presented in the journal PNAS. DNA is constructed of two strands, consisting of sugar molecules and phosphate groups. Between these two strands are