major groove

ma·jor groove

in a detailed analysis of DNA structure, there are two types of grooves that can be seen; the major groove has the nitrogen and oxygen atoms of the base pairs pointing inward toward the helical axis, whereas in the minor groove, the nitrogen and oxygen atoms point outwards; important because the major groove is more dependent on base composition and may be the site for protein recognition of specific DNA sequences or regions.

major groove

A deep and wide furrow present in classic (Watson and Crick) DNA, which extends over the entire length of DNA, as long as the molecule remains in a normal or right-handed configuration; for the usual B-DNA, the major groove is 22-nm wide.

Mentioned in ?

References in periodicals archive ?

The compound [Fe2L3]4+ is an iron triple helicate with three organic strands wrapped around two iron centres to give a helix which looks cylindrical in shape and neatly fits within the major groove of a DNA helix.

New DNA binding compound could pave way for novel antibiotics

Prior to this discovery, most cancer drugs have targeted binding to the major groove in DNA leading to the successful introduction of several new classes of anticancer drugs, including topoisomerase inhibitors such as camptothecins and anthracyclines.

Cell Therapeutics announces agreement to acquire Systems Medicine and Gains Global Rights to Brostallicin, a new cancer killing agent

But even though he trails the Goose by six shots Tiger Woods is back in the Major groove again after winning the Masters at Augusta in April.

GOLF: US OPEN: Tiger out to cook the Goose

They managed to produce a synthetic molecule which is big enough to bind with the major groove of the DNA where most of the action is.

DNA weapon in genetic illness; WARWICK UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CHEMISTS MAKE BREAKTHROUGH