The process in which a transformation is induced in the topological structure of a double-stranded DNA helix, resulting in a change in linking number.
Source:ISBN:0935702490,
ISBN:071673706X
Comment
Note that the synonym 'DNA underwinding' should not be confused with 'DNA unwinding ; GO:0006268', which refers to DNA strand separation, and is a type of geometric change. GO:0006265 refers to alteration of the superhelical density of double-stranded DNA. Note that DNA topological change and DNA geometric change (GO:0032392) are distinct, but are usually coupled in vivo.