Molecular Stick-Slip Motion Revealed by Opening DNA with Piconewton Forces

U. Bockelmann, B. Essevaz-Roulet, and F. Heslot
Phys. Rev. Lett. 79, 4489 – Published 1 December 1997
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Abstract

We have pulled apart the two strands of a DNA double helix. The forces measured during this process show a sequence specific variation on the piconewton scale. Opening two helical molecules with the same sequence from opposite sides gives two signatures which are not simply related by symmetry. In a theoretical model, this is explained as a molecular stick-slip motion which does not involve instabilities and is determined by the sequence.

  • Received 17 March 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.79.4489

©1997 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

U. Bockelmann, B. Essevaz-Roulet, and F. Heslot

  • Ecole Normale Supérieure, LPMC, URA 1437, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France

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Issue

Vol. 79, Iss. 22 — 1 December 1997

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