Interaction of DNA with DNA‐Binding Proteins

Abstract
DNA-binding protein HD with a monomer MW of 9000 was isolated from E. coli cells. The protein occurs as a tetramer under native conditions and binds to single and double-stranded DNA and to RNA. DNA complexed with protein HD is a poor template for DNA synthesis by E. coli polymerase I, II or III holoenzyme, Exonuclease III is hindered in degrading HD-protein-covered double-stranded DNA, but exonuclease I can digest complexed single-stranded DNA. Transcription is slightly stimulated in the presence of protein HD.