Publication Date

1983

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Jones, Claude R.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Chemistry

LCSH

Bromides; Binding sites (Biochemistry); DNA

Abstract

The effects of ethidium bromide (EB) binding to DNA were investigated over a range of DNA concentrations by equilibrium dialysis and the 1H NMR spectroscopy. Scatchard plots showed varying degrees of curvature, depending on the concentrations of DNA used. The empirical data (apparent slopes, intercepts, k and n values) were also affected, suggesting the possibility of DNA-DNA interaction when EB binds to DNA. From the nmr measurements, plots of relative intensity loss versus R values for the titrations of the 50 mM, 20 mM, 10 mM and 5 mM base pair concentration with EB showed a shifting of the break point in the EB titrations where the maximum effect of EB on the intensity loss in the nmr spectra is seen. The break points did come out to be exactly 0.5 (or 1 EB bound per 2 base pairs), the ratio expected with an intercalation process. The nmr titrations and equilibrium dialysis experiments implied aggregation to be a possible mode of interaction besides intercalation; the extent of DNA-DNA interaction was subjected to mass action, making any changes in DNA concentration to be a sensitive factor in determining the intensity loss in the nmr spectra and the binding curves of the r/c versus r plots.

Comments

Bibliography: pages 86-88.

Extent

ix, 96 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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