DNA structure
hideDNA structure shows a variety of forms, both double-stranded and single-stranded. The mechanical properties of DNA, which are directly related to its structure, are a significant problem for cells. Every process which binds or reads DNA is able to use or modify the mechanical properties of DNA for purposes of recognition, packaging and modification. The extreme length (a chromosome may contain a 10 cm long DNA strand), relative rigidity and helical structure of DNA has led to the evolution of histones and of enzymes such as topoisomerases and helicases to manage a cell's DNA. The properties of DNA are closely related to its molecular structure and sequence, particularly the weakness of the hydrogen bonds and electronic interactions that hold strands of DNA together compared to the strength of the bonds within each strand.
Experimental techniques which can directly measure the mechanical properties of DNA are relatively new, and high-resolution visualization in solution is often difficult. Nevertheless, scientists have uncovered large amount of data on the mechanical properties of this polymer, and the implications of DNA's mechanical properties on cellular processes is a topic of active current research.
It is important to note the DNA found in many cells can be macroscopic in length - a few centimetres long for each human chromosome. Consequently, cells must compact or "package" DNA to carry it within them. In eukaryotes this is carried by spool-like proteins known as histones, around which DNA winds. It is the further compaction of this DNA-protein complex which produces the well known mitotic eukaryotic chromosomes.
For more information about DNA structure, read the full article at
Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.
News tagged with mechanical properties
Salt block unexpectedly stretches in new experiments
Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials
Jun 24, 2009 |
4.6 / 5 (7) |
4
To stretch a supply of salt generally means using it sparingly.
Metal sheets with DNA framework may enable nanocircuits
Nanotechnology / Bio & Medicine
May 20, 2009 |
4.9 / 5 (8) |
1
(PhysOrg.com) -- Using DNA not as a genetic material but as a structural support, Cornell researchers have created thin sheets of gold nanoparticles held together by strands of DNA. The work could prove useful ...
Tough yet stiff deer antler is materials scientist's dream
Nov 27, 2009 |
3.5 / 5 (6) |
2
Prized for their impressive antlers, red deer have been caught in the hunters' sights for generations. But a deer's antlers are much more than decorative. They are lethal weapons that stags crash together when duelling. John ...
Understanding mechanical properties of silicon nanowires paves way for nanodevices
Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials
Nov 11, 2009 |
3.3 / 5 (3) |
0
Silicon nanowires are attracting significant attention from the electronics industry due to the drive for ever-smaller electronic devices, from cell phones to computers. The operation of these future devices, ...
Humidity key to healthy nails suggests new research
Aug 24, 2009 |
2.5 / 5 (2) |
1
(PhysOrg.com) -- Maintaining normal humidity around you could be the key to attractive and healthy fingernails, according to new research from The University of Manchester.
How rolling terrain rolls: New study could help identify signs of life on other planets (w/ Video)
Space & Earth / Earth Sciences
Jul 22, 2009 |
4 / 5 (2) |
2
(PhysOrg.com) -- Anyone who has flown over the western United States knows the patterns well: Seemingly endless repetitions of similar landforms, ridges and valleys and ridges and valleys arranged with nearly ...
Nanoscale zipper cavity responds to single photons of light
Jun 04, 2009 |
4 / 5 (2) |
0
Physicists at the California Institute of Technology have developed a nanoscale device that can be used for force detection, optical communication, and more. The device exploits the mechanical properties of ...
Highly conductive nanocomposites: Inexpensive plastic used in CDs could improve electronics
Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials
May 15, 2009 |
5 / 5 (3) |
0
If one University of Houston professor has his way, the inexpensive plastic now used to manufacture CDs and DVDs will one day soon be put to use in improving the integrity of electronics in aircraft, computers and iPhones.
Mending broken hearts with tissue engineering
Nov 02, 2008 |
4.9 / 5 (15) |
0
Broken hearts could one day be mended using a novel scaffold developed by MIT researchers and colleagues.
Self-healing surfaces
Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials
Aug 03, 2009 |
5 / 5 (4) |
0
The engineers' dream of self-healing surfaces has taken another step towards becoming reality -- researchers have produced a electroplated layer that contains tiny nanometer-sized capsules. If the layer is ...
