Transverse fluctuation analysis of single extended DNA molecules

Eur Phys J E Soft Matter. 2003 May;11(1):105-8. doi: 10.1140/epje/i2002-10150-9.

Abstract

We observed fluctuations of elongated DNA molecules by fluorescence microscopy. The molecules are fixed at both ends and undulate. Mode analysis of the thermally excited undulations of the labeled DNA molecules gives access to the spectral density of the amplitude fluctuations. From these measurements we estimate the tension acting on the DNA molecules. We found the forces to be within the entropic elasticity range of a typical DNA molecule (measured on the single-molecule level).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry*
  • DNA, Viral / ultrastructure*
  • Elasticity
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Micromanipulation / methods*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation*
  • Physical Stimulation / methods*
  • Stress, Mechanical

Substances

  • DNA, Viral