Left handed Z-DNA helices and B-Z junctions

DNA is a flexible molecule that adopts a variety of conformations. Left-handed helices have been demonstrated in synthetic DNA polymers (reviewed in Ref.1-2) and in segments of DNA restriction fragments (3) and recombinant plasmids (4-8). Other DNA conformations such as cruci forms and bent structures have also been demonstrated. Thus DNA micro heterogeneity has been demonstrated in a variety of systems (9-11). The role of the static and dynamic structures and properties of DNA in gene expression has been reviewed(1,12).