Interactions among DNA, metallic ions, and lipids.

Abstract

Interactions amond DNA, phospholipids, and Cu2+ ions have been investigated by means of thermal denaturation technique. The results indicate that phosphatidylserine and sphingomyelin interact with Cu2+ ions, which are able to prevent the chance of binding of the phospholipids to the double helix. This interaction is strictly dependent upon the concentration of the divalent cation and reduces the capability of the employed phospholipids to modify the thermal stability of DNA.