Basic amino acid residues bind to DNA primarily through electrostatic interactions with the phosphate backbone
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 84/100
Basic amino acid residues play a critical role in DNA binding, relying heavily on positive charges to form electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged phosphate backbone.
Evidence for · 3
Defining the crucial domain and amino acid residues in bacterial Lon protease for DNA binding and processing of DNA-interacting substrates
2017 · cited by 25
Demonstrates that positively charged amino acids are required for DNA binding, as substituting them with negative charges disrupts binding.
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More for · 2
Predicting DNA‐binding amino acid residues from electrostatic stabilization upon mutation to Asp/Glu and evolutionary conservation
2007 · cited by 24
Notes that the binding of polyanionic DNA relies on clusters of electropositive protein atoms that form stabilizing electrostatic interactions.
Non-specific and specific DNA binding modes of bacterial histone, HU, separately regulate distinct physiological processes through different mechanisms
2023 · cited by 15
Shows that DNA-binding proteins utilize surface-exposed basic residues like lysine to bind the phosphate backbone via ionic bonds.