Question

You're studying a DNA-binding protein. You've found that it interacts with the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone. You expect this protein will bind:

Answer 1

The DNA-binding protein is expected to bind to the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA. This backbone is formed by the alternating sugar and phosphate molecules in a DNA chain, providing stability and support to the DNA molecule. Proteins can bind to the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA at grooves, which are areas where the backbone is either far apart or close together.

Step-by-step explanation:

The DNA-binding protein is expected to bind to the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA. The sugar-phosphate backbone is formed by the alternating sugar and phosphate molecules in a DNA chain. It provides stability and support to the DNA molecule.

The backbone is made up of the sugar molecule of one nucleotide binding to the phosphate group of the next nucleotide.

Proteins can bind to the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA at locations called grooves, which are areas where the backbone is either far apart (major grooves) or close together (minor grooves). The binding of these proteins can regulate DNA structure, replication, and transcription.