This project provides a basic introduction to Protein-DNA interactions concentrating on the interactions between DNA and cleavage enzymes. The interactions between protein - DNA cause changes in the conformation of both molecules important to their activity. Often this involves a bending of the DNA to bring it in contact with the reactive groups of the protein (that cleave the DNA). The mechanisms explored can provide highly sequence specific (EcoR I) or general (DNase I) cleavage, depending on the nature of the Protein-DNA recognition. EcoR I and DNase I proteins are studied in detail concentrating on areas of interaction between DNA and protein. Engineered DNA cleavage proteins are also studied as these utilize the understanding we have of native DNA cleavage enzymes testing their general applicability.
This Assignment forms part of the assessment for PPS-96 (Birkbeck College, Department of Crystallography).