Dimerization is possibly mediated by the N-terminal domain.

<p>(a) SEC/MALS indicates monomer-dimer equilibrium for full-length CNPase. The calculated molecular masses (black) for the two peaks are 78 and 44 kDa, based on light scattering and refractive index. Higher-order oligomers are also detectable. (b) Analysis of the purified N-terminal domain by SEC indicates the presence of dimers. The elution volumes of molecular weight standards run on the same column are indicated above the graph (in kDa). The expected monomeric molecular weight is 19 kDa, and the elution volume is compatible with the presence of a slightly elongated dimer.