DNA binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Any molecular function by which a gene product interacts selectively and non-covalently with DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). [GOC:dph, GOC:jl, GOC:tb, GOC:vw]

DNA binding is a fundamental molecular function that involves the specific interaction of proteins, or other molecules, with DNA. This interaction plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including:
- **Gene expression:** Transcription factors bind to specific DNA sequences (promoters or enhancers) to regulate gene expression.
- **DNA replication:** Enzymes like DNA polymerase bind to DNA to initiate and carry out the replication process, ensuring accurate duplication of the genome.
- **DNA repair:** DNA repair proteins bind to damaged DNA to identify and fix errors in the sequence.
- **Chromatin organization:** Structural proteins bind to DNA to package and organize it into higher-order structures, such as chromosomes.

The molecular basis of DNA binding involves:
- **Electrostatic interactions:** Positively charged amino acid residues in proteins interact with the negatively charged phosphate backbone of DNA.
- **Hydrogen bonding:** Specific interactions between amino acid side chains and DNA bases contribute to the specificity of binding.
- **Van der Waals forces:** Weak, non-covalent interactions between protein and DNA atoms can also play a role in binding.

The binding of a protein to DNA is often highly specific, with the protein recognizing and binding to a particular DNA sequence. This specificity is essential for regulating gene expression and other cellular processes.
- **Sequence-specific binding:** Proteins like transcription factors bind to short DNA sequences (motifs) that are unique to specific genes.
- **Structure-specific binding:** Other proteins, such as DNA polymerase, bind to DNA based on its overall structure, independent of specific sequences.'
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Proteins (142)

Compounds (4,814)