1PCZ: TATA Binding Protein

1YTB: Yeast TBP/TATA Box Complex

In the structure to the right of Yeast TBP/TATA Box Complex, identify the following:

• pseudo-2-fold axis of symmetry for TBP

• Orientation of the helical axis of the DNA segment with respect to the pseudo-2-fold symmetry (parallel or perpendicular?)

• Identify DNA major and minor grooves

• Observe how TBP splits apart the minor groove at each end of the TATA box

• Secondary structural elements of TBP inserted into the partially unwound DNA's minor groove

• Find the Phe residues that induce kinks in, and stabilize the DNA. Note where the links occur on the TATA element

• Find the Asn residues that hydrogen-bond to the minor groove

• Find the Ile and Leu residue that might be involved in DNA recognition

• Can you see that the bound DNA is distorted into a crank-shaped structure?