Abrupt buckling transition observed during the plectoneme formation of individual DNA molecules. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • The response of single DNA molecules to externally applied forces and torques was directly measured using an angular optical trap. Upon overwinding, DNA buckled abruptly as revealed by a sharp extension drop followed by a torque plateau. When the DNA was held at the buckling transition, its extension hopped rapidly between two distinct states. Furthermore, the initial plectonemic loop absorbed approximately twice as much extension as was absorbed into the plectoneme upon each additional turn. The observed extension change after buckling and the postbuckling torque support a recent DNA elasticity model.

publication date

  • April 8, 2008

Research

keywords

  • DNA
  • DNA, Superhelical

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC3019760

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 41949110996

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.148301

PubMed ID

  • 18518075

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 100

issue

  • 14