[Cooperation between two antiparallel peptide chains covering the major groove of DNA. Molecular model of a poly-lysine/poly-AT complex].

Two antiparallel polypeptide chains oriented 5' to 3' can be adapted upon the central pillar of the major groove of a poly-A, poly-T/DNA. Lysine residues with their epsilon-NH2 fixed on the phosphates can cover the major groove entirely. This model is in accordance with all known properties of poly-lysine/poly-AT complexes. A generalization of this antiparallel disposition would be a U-turn of a single peptide chain, producing a "finger" that can recognize the base-sequence of the major groove.