Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Determination of Zeta Potential via Nanoparticle Translocation Velocities through a Tunable Nanopore: Using DNA-modified Particles as an Example
Published on: October 26, 2016
Charge migration in DNA: ion-gated transport
R N Barnett1, C L Cleveland, A Joy
1School of Physics, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
Abstract:
Electron hole (radical cation) migration in DNA, where the quantum transport of an injected charge is gated in a correlated manner by the thermal motions of the hydrated counterions, is described here. Classical molecular dynamics simulations in conjunction with large-scale first-principles electronic structure calculations reveal that different counterion configurations lead to formation of states characterized by varying spatial distributions and degrees of charge localization. Stochastic dynamic fluctuations between such ionic configurations can induce correlated changes in the spatial distribution of the hole, with concomitant transport along the DNA double helix. Comparative ultraviolet light-induced cleavage experiments on native B DNA oligomers and on ones modified to contain counterion (Na(+))-starved bridges between damage-susceptible hole-trapping sites called GG steps show in the latter a reduction in damage at the distal step. This reduction indicates a reduced mobility of the hole across the modified bridge as predicted theoretically.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Gene Conversion
DNA-only Transposons
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
Gene Conversion
Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview
The electrical gradient: The electrical gradient across cell membranes refers to the difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a cell. This difference drives the movement of ions towards or away from the cells. For instance, if the inside of the cell is more negatively charged relative to the...
Carrier Transport
Drift Current:
The drift of charge carriers is started by an external electric field (E). Charged particles, such as electrons and holes, experience an acceleration between collisions with lattice atoms. For electrons, this results in a drift velocity (vd) given by:
The Electrical Double Layer

