Question

Protein EGO binds to any DNA molecule that it comes in contact

with(i.e., it binds DNA
in a non-sequence-specific manner).

a. What part of the DNA molecule is EGO most likely
interactingwith?

b. Name two amino acid residues that you would expect to findwithin
the DNAbinding
domain of this protein.

Answer 1

a. The backbone

b. Lysine and arginine

Step-by-step explanation:

a. EGO is most likely interacting with the sugar-phosphate backbone of the DNA. This part does not contain sequence-specific information. Specifically relating to the DNA structure, it is likely binding to the minor groove of DNA, where the backbone is exposed, as opposed to the major groove, where the bases are exposed.

b. We would expect to find amino acid residues that are known to bind DNA. These amino acid residues are usually positively charged and basic, attracted to the negatively charged DNA molecule. Examples of such amino acids include Arginine and Lysine, which interact with the DNA backbone