Natural DNA mixed with trehalose persists in B-form double-stranding even in the dry state

Abstract

Desiccated calf-thymus DNA has been found to persist in the B-form double-stranding when mixed with trehalose. The stabilization effect on natural DNA depends on the trehalose content, and should basically arise from its ability to tightly hydrogen bond to phosphate groups of DNA, which leads to screening of the large phosphate-phosphate repulsion. © 2007 American Chemical Society.