Iso-energy contour maps for the interaction of water with DNA double helix in the B conformation

The interaction energy between water with B-DNA double helix is computed for few cylindrical surfaces (enclosing the helix) using analytical pair potentials. The iso-energy contour maps indicate a strong attraction for water extending to three water layers surrounding DNA and very stable bridging structure of water molecules connecting two successive phosphate groups along a single helix in the innermost layer.