During the normal processes of the cell cycle, specific types of DNA-protein complexes form and dissociate which allow condensation and decondensation of the chromosomes. Which of the following is the major attractive force between the DNA and the proteins, allowing these complexes to form?
A) disulfide linkages
B) electrostatic interactions
C) hydrogen bonds
D) hydrophobic interactions
E) van der Waals forces

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electrostatic interactions are the major attractive force between the negatively charged DNA and the positively charged histone proteins, facilitating the formation of DNA-protein complexes.  DNA is very highly negatively charged due to the phosphate backbone of the nucleotides. Therefore, DNA is most likely to interact with other molecules, such as proteins, via electrostatic interactions.

During the Normal Processes of the Cell Cycle, Specific Types