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The DNA Helix

The DNA Helix

The DNA Helix

The DNA Helix

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the genetic material responsible for passing traits from generation to generation in all organisms and most viruses. DNA is composed of two strands of nucleotides that wind around each other to form a spring-like structure called a double helix. However, the double helix is not perfectly symmetrical. Instead, there are regularly occurring grooves in the structure. The major groove occurs where the sugar-phosphate backbones are relatively far apart. This space...

DNA as a Genetic Template

DNA as a Genetic Template

Two structural features of the DNA molecule provide a basis for the mechanisms of heredity: the four nucleotide bases and its double-stranded nature. The Watson-Crick model of double-helical DNA structure, proposed in 1952, drew heavily upon the X-ray crystallography work of researchers Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. Watson, Crick, and Wilkins jointly received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work in 1962. Franklin was, controversially, excluded from the prize for...

DNA as a Genetic Template

DNA as a Genetic Template

Two structural features of the DNA molecule provide a basis for the mechanisms of heredity: the four nucleotide bases and its double-stranded nature. The Watson-Crick model of double-helical DNA structure, proposed in 1952, drew heavily upon the X-ray crystallography work of researchers Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. Watson, Crick, and Wilkins jointly received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work in 1962. Franklin was, controversially, excluded from the prize for...

DNA Packaging

DNA Packaging

DNA Helicases

DNA Helicases

DNA unwinding helicase enzymes are a type of motor protein. Motor proteins can translocate along filaments or polymers using energy generated from ATP hydrolysis. Helicases are involved in all the important cellular processes where DNA unwinding is required, such as DNA replication, repair, recombination, and transcription. They are present in all living organisms, but vary in their structure, function, and mechanism of action. For example, in prokaryotes, DnaB helicase binds and translocates...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack

Published on: August 15, 2018

Reconfigurable, braced, three-dimensional DNA nanostructures.

Russell P Goodman, Mike Heilemann, Sören Doose

Nature Nanotechnology

|July 26, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed reconfigurable DNA tetrahedra that precisely change shape in response to molecular signals. This breakthrough enables controlled 3D movement for DNA nanostructures, advancing nanomedicine and nanorobotics.

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Last Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack

Published on: August 15, 2018

Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Published on: December 3, 2015

Designing a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Designing a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Published on: July 8, 2013

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Molecular Engineering
Nanotechnology

Background:

DNA nanotechnology leverages DNA's self-assembly for molecular-scale construction.
Static DNA structures have applications, but dynamic, controlled 3D movement is crucial for nanomedicine and nanorobotics.
Existing DNA devices lack precise control over three-dimensional structural reconfigurations.

Discussion:

Demonstrates reconfigurable DNA tetrahedra that precisely and reversibly change shape upon specific molecular signals.
Utilizes gel electrophoresis and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) for shape change verification.
Highlights DNA tetrahedra as stable, easily synthesized 3D building blocks.

Key Insights:

Achieved active control of well-defined, reconfigurable 3D DNA structures.
Introduced shape-changing modules for precise molecular-triggered transformations.
Validated shape changes using advanced biophysical techniques.

Outlook:

Enables new possibilities for manipulating matter at the nanoscale.
Potential applications in nanorobotics, drug delivery, and molecular computing.
Paves the way for complex, responsive DNA-based machines.