Understanding DNA Binding Proteins: Mechanisms of Sequence Recognition

[bard]

In general how do DNA-Binding proteins bind to DNA? Many DNA-binding proteins bind to specific sequences of DNA bases. How do the proteins accomplish this sequence recognition.

My answer: In general, DNA binding proteins possesses certain structural motifs, such as helixes, which enable them to stably bind to both double and single, stranded DNA.

How would I answer how they accomplish this sequence recognition? thanks

 

[Monique]

Look at the following webpage, starting from:
Protein - DNA Interaction: Transcription factors

 

[ravenprp]

DNA-binding proteins accomplish sequence recognition through a variety of mechanisms, including hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and shape complementarity. These proteins have specific amino acid residues that are able to interact with specific bases in the DNA sequence, leading to a stable binding. Additionally, DNA-binding proteins may also undergo conformational changes upon binding to DNA, allowing for further interactions and specificity in sequence recognition. Some proteins may also use other factors, such as DNA methylation or chromatin structure, to aid in sequence recognition. Overall, the precise mechanisms of sequence recognition vary among different DNA-binding proteins, but they all involve specific interactions between the protein and the DNA sequence.