Abstract
In viral DNA packaging, the genome is compacted to high densities into a capsid by an ATP-hydrolyzing molecular motor. The study of viral packaging has advanced dramatically in recent years due to new biophysical methods, particularly single-molecule techniques. We review the insights afforded by these new tools into the initiation, translocation, and termination phases of the packaging process. Furthermore, by integrating single-molecule data with structural and biochemical information from related molecular motors, we develop and present a possible molecular model for ATP-dependent translocation by a viral packaging motor.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Comprehensive Biophysics |
Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
Pages | 420-446 |
Number of pages | 27 |
Volume | 4 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780080957180 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2012 |
Keywords
- ATPase
- Bacteriophage
- DNA translocation
- Mechanochemistry
- Molecular motor
- Optical tweezers
- Single-molecule
- Terminase
- Viral packaging
- Virus