Definition of Topoisomers



Topoisomers are such a type of molecule which have the same chemical formula but have varied topologies. They are also termed as topological isomers and they have exactly the same stereochemical bonding. The topoisomers of the molecule of DNA have different linking numbers.

 


There are certain enzymes that are termed as topoisomerases by the help of which the topoisomers are interchanged. The topoisomers possessing varied linking numbers get separated on the agarose gel through gel electrophoresis by the action of topoisomerase.

 


Example of Topoisomers:

The DNA exists in the form of topoisomers as they have the ability to form knots as well as catenanes.

 

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