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News
For the first time ever, scientists have directly watched two DNA molecules zip together — solving a mystery that's puzzled researchers for decades. Using atomic force microscopy and computer simulations, they discovered that positively charged metal ions act as tiny bridges, helping negatively charged DNA strands overcome their natural repulsion. The findings confirm a 20-year-old theory and could shed light on DNA interactions linked to cancer.
For decades, scientists knew DNA molecules had to come into close contact inside cells — for processes like genetic recombination and gene silencing — but couldn't explain how two negatively charged strands could overcome their natural tendency to repel each other. Now, researchers from the Universities of York and Sheffield have finally caught it on camera.
Using atomic force microscopy, the team directly visualized short DNA segments aligning with remarkable precision, groove for groove. Paired with sophisticated computer simulations, they uncovered the mechanism: positively charged metal ions nestle into DNA's grooves and act as molecular bridges, linking the two strands and holding them in alignment — much like a molecular zipper. The findings confirm the long-hypothesized "DNA zipper" model first proposed ~20 years ago by Professor Alexey Kornyshev of Imperial College London.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Understanding exactly how DNA molecules recognize and pair with each other opens new doors for identifying genomic regions vulnerable to cancer-driving mutations — and could eventually inspire novel therapeutic or biotech applications.
