The interaction of a protein-DNA surface complex with low-energy electrons

We investigate for the first time how a protein bound to DNA modifies this inter-action. By a fluorescence method we demonstrate much lower damage due to 3 eV electrons to the surface tethered (dT)25 ligonucle-otides complexed with a single-strand-binding (SSB) protein, as compared to the oligonucleotides not engaged in the complex formation.