Scientists Reveal How DNA Molecules Overcome Repulsion to Pair

DNA molecules normally push away from each other because both carry negative charges.

However, they sometimes need to join together for important jobs inside cells.

Scientists from the University of Sheffield and the University of York watched two DNA molecules pair up.

They used a powerful microscope and computer simulations.

The scientists found that positively charged metal ions can connect the two DNA molecules.

These ions fit into grooves in the DNA and hold both strands at the same time.

This makes the molecules line up like the teeth of a zipper.

The discovery confirms an idea called the DNA zipper model.

It may help scientists understand genetic changes, cancer and future DNA-based technology.