DNA-Binding Proteins Interact Predominantly Within Which Portion of a Double-Stranded

Question

DNA-binding proteins interact predominantly within which portion of a double-stranded DNA helix?
A) major groove
B) minor groove
C) 3ʹ end
D) supercoil

Accepted Answer

Most DNA-binding proteins interact predominantly within the major groove because it provides more information about the base pairing sequence which allows the protein to recognize and bind to specific sequences of DNA. The minor groove is usually too narrow and cannot easily accommodate larger protein molecules. The 3’ end has no special role in DNA-protein interactions, and supercoiling generally does not directly affect protein-DNA interactions.