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Rapid internal contraction boosts DNA friction

Author

Listed:
  • Oliver Otto

    (Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge
    Biotechnology Center, Technical University Dresden)

  • Sebastian Sturm

    (Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Leipzig,)

  • Nadanai Laohakunakorn

    (Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge)

  • Ulrich F. Keyser

    (Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge)

  • Klaus Kroy

    (Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Leipzig,)

Abstract

Macroscopic objects are usually manipulated by force and observed with light. On the nanoscale, however, this is often done oppositely: individual macromolecules are manipulated by light and monitored with force. This procedure, which is the basis of single-molecule force spectroscopy, has led to much of our quantitative understanding of how DNA works, and is now routinely applied to explore molecular structure and interactions, DNA–protein reactions and protein folding. Here we develop the technique further by introducing a dynamic force spectroscopy set-up for a non-invasive inspection of the tension dynamics in a taut strand of DNA. The internal contraction after a sudden release of the molecule is shown to give rise to a drastically enhanced viscous friction, as revealed by the slow relaxation of an attached colloidal tracer. Our systematic theory explains the data quantitatively and provides a powerful tool for the rational design of new dynamic force spectroscopy assays.

Suggested Citation

  • Oliver Otto & Sebastian Sturm & Nadanai Laohakunakorn & Ulrich F. Keyser & Klaus Kroy, 2013. "Rapid internal contraction boosts DNA friction," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-7, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2790
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2790
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