Incomplete Ion Dissociation Underlies the Weakened Attraction between DNA Helices at High Spermidine Concentrations

We have investigated the salt sensitivity of the hexagonal-to-cholesteric phase transition of spermidine-condensed DNA. This transition precedes the resolubilization of precipitated DNA that occurs at high spermidine concentration. The sensitivity of the critical spermidine concentration at the transition point to the anion species and the NaCl concentration indicates that ion pairing of this trivalent ion underlies this unusual transition. Osmotic pressure measurements of spermidine salt solutions are consistent with this interpretation. Spermidine salts are not fully dissociated at higher concentrations. The competition for DNA binding among the fully charged trivalent ion and the lesser charged complex species at higher concentrations significantly weakens attraction between DNA helices in the condensed state. This is contrary to the suggestion that the binding of spermidine at higher concentrations causes DNA overcharging and consequent electrostatic repulsion.