Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:59
Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami
Published on: December 3, 2015
DNA fuel for free-running nanomachines
A J Turberfield1, J C Mitchell, B Yurke
1University of Oxford, Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom. A.Turberfield@physics.ox.ac.uk
Physical Review Letters
|April 12, 2003
Summary
We demonstrate kinetic control over DNA hybridization using loop complexes to inhibit and DNA catalysts to promote binding. This advance enables DNA to fuel artificial molecular machines.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- DNA hybridization is fundamental to molecular biology.
- Controlling DNA binding kinetics is crucial for developing molecular machines.
- Existing methods for controlling DNA hybridization are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a strategy for kinetic control of DNA hybridization.
- To utilize DNA catalysts for promoting hybridization.
- To enable DNA to act as a fuel for artificial molecular machines.
Main Methods:
- Employing loop complexes to inhibit DNA hybridization.
- Designing and utilizing DNA catalysts to promote DNA hybridization.
- Investigating the kinetic parameters of these DNA interactions.
Main Results:
- Loop complexes effectively inhibit the hybridization of complementary oligonucleotides.
- Rationally designed DNA catalysts significantly promote DNA hybridization.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of using DNA as a fuel source.
Conclusions:
- Kinetic control of DNA hybridization is achievable through engineered DNA structures.
- DNA catalysts offer a powerful tool for accelerating specific DNA binding events.
- This work lays the foundation for DNA-powered artificial molecular machines.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Electron Carriers
Electron carriers can be thought of as electron shuttles. These compounds can easily accept electrons (i.e., be reduced) or lose them (i.e., be oxidized). They play an essential role in energy production because cellular respiration is contingent on the flow of electrons.
Over the many stages of cellular respiration, glucose breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. Electron carriers pick up electrons lost by glucose in these reactions, temporarily storing and releasing them into the electron...
Over the many stages of cellular respiration, glucose breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. Electron carriers pick up electrons lost by glucose in these reactions, temporarily storing and releasing them into the electron...
01:18ATP Synthase: Structure
ATP synthase or ATPase is among the most conserved proteins found in bacteria, mammals, and plants. This enzyme can catalyze a forward reaction in response to the electrochemical gradient, producing ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. ATP synthase can also work in a reverse direction by hydrolyzing ATP and generating an electrochemical gradient. Different forms of ATP synthases have evolved special features to meet the specific demands of the cell. Based on their specific feature, ATP...
01:37Energy to Drive Translocation
Mitochondrial protein import is powered by two distinct energy sources: ATP hydrolysis and electrochemical potential across the inner membrane. Newly synthesized precursors are bound by cytosolic chaperones of the Hsp70 family, which guide them to the import receptors on the mitochondrial surface. Utilizing the energy of ATP hydrolysis, Hsp70 chaperones transfer these precursors to the TOM receptors on the mitochondrial outer membrane.
Generally, polypeptides are unfolded by two distinct...
Generally, polypeptides are unfolded by two distinct...
01:29Role of Reduced Coenzymes NADH and FADH₂
The energy released from the breakdown of the chemical bonds within nutrients can be stored either through the reduction of electron carriers or in the bonds of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In living systems, a small class of compounds functions as mobile electron carriers, molecules that bind to and shuttle high-energy electrons between compounds in pathways. The principal electron carriers that will be considered originate from the B vitamin group and are derivatives of nucleotides; they are...
01:28ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis
Biological macromolecules are organic compounds, predominantly composed of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are covalently bonded with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other minor elements. There are four major biological macromolecule classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Most macromolecules are composed of single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers.
Conversion of...
Most macromolecules are composed of single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers.
Conversion of...
01:17Coupled Reactions
Cellular processes such as building and breaking down complex molecules occur through stepwise chemical reactions. Some of these chemical reactions are spontaneous and release energy, whereas others require energy to proceed. Cells often couple the energy-releasing reaction with the energy-requiring one to carry out important cell functions.
Energy in adenosine triphosphate or ATP molecules is easily accessible to do work. ATP powers the majority of energy-requiring cellular reactions. Cells...
Energy in adenosine triphosphate or ATP molecules is easily accessible to do work. ATP powers the majority of energy-requiring cellular reactions. Cells...