DNase footprinting is a
lab technique used to find out which segments of a
DNA molecule are protected by
DNA-
binding proteins from
attack by
endonuclease enzymes. The
enzymes will break down DNA into smaller fragments by cleaving its
phosphodiester bonds. The technique uses
gel electrophoresis to find out which parts of the
DNA have sites for
proteins to attach to by comparing
DNA which has been in the presence of
DNA-
binding
proteins with DNA that is "pure."
From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.