Researchers have directly observed how two negatively charged DNA molecules pair up despite normally repelling each other. Using atomic force microscopy, they watched short DNA strands align groove for groove, like a molecular zipper. Computer simulations revealed the key: positively charged metal ions act as tiny bridges, settling into DNA’s grooves and holding the two strands together. This confirms a theory proposed two decades ago and could help pinpoint genomic regions involved in cellular processes like cancer.
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