Conformations and cryo-force spectroscopy of spray-deposited single-strand DNA on gold.

ABSTRACT: Cryo-electron microscopy can determine the structure of biological matter in vitrified liquids. However, structure alone is insufficient to understand the function of native and engineered biomolecules. So far, their mechanical properties have mainly been probed at room temperature using tens of pico-newton forces with a resolution limited by thermal fluctuations. Here we combine force spectroscopy and computer simulations in cryogenic conditions to quantify adhesion and intra-molecular properties of spray-deposited single-strand DNA oligomers on Au(111). Sub-nanometer resolution images reveal folding conformations confirmed by simulations. Lifting shows a decay of the measured stiffness with sharp dips every 0.2-0.3 nm associated with the sequential peeling and detachment of single nucleo

SUBMITTER: Pawlak R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6368621 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature