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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...

The DNA Helix

The DNA Helix

DNA Packaging

DNA Packaging

Chromatin Packaging

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base pairs of DNA. Each base pair is 0.34 nm long, meaning each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. This long DNA strand is packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10-20 microns in diameter with the help of specialized DNA-binding proteins called histones. Together they form a compact DNA-protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin is further compacted into higher-order structures. The highest level of compaction is achieved during...

Chromatin Packaging

Chromatin Packaging

Each human somatic cell contains 6 billion base-pairs of DNA. Each base-pair is 0.34 nm long, which means that each diploid cell contains a staggering 2 meters of DNA. How is such a long DNA strand packed inside a nucleus measuring only 10 - 20 microns in diameter?
The chromatin
In combination with specialized DNA binding protein called Histones, the DNA double helix forms a compact DNA: protein complex called chromatin. The chromatin itself is further compacted into higher-order structures.

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Self-assembly of Complex Two-dimensional Shapes from Single-stranded DNA Tiles

Self-assembly of Complex Two-dimensional Shapes from Single-stranded DNA Tiles

Published on: May 8, 2015

Three-dimensional DNA nanostructures constructed by folding of multiple rectangles.

Masayuki Endo¹, Hiroshi Sugiyama

¹Department of Chemistry, Institute for Integrated Cell-Materials Science, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-oiwakecho, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan. endo@kuchem.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Nucleic Acids Symposium Series (2004)

|September 15, 2009

Summary

Researchers designed novel multi-arm DNA structures using 2D-DNA Origami, forming 3D hollow prisms. High-speed atomic force microscopy revealed dissociation events in these DNA structures, detailing their opening dynamics.

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Self-assembly of Complex Two-dimensional Shapes from Single-stranded DNA Tiles

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Published on: May 8, 2015

Stable DNA Motifs, 1D and 2D Nanostructures Constructed from Small Circular DNA Molecules

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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

Area of Science:

* Nanotechnology and molecular engineering.
* Structural DNA nanotechnology.
* Biophysics and materials science.

Background:

* DNA origami is a powerful method for creating nanoscale structures.
* Designing complex 3D DNA assemblies presents significant challenges.
* Understanding the dynamic behavior of these structures is crucial for applications.

Purpose of the Study:

* To design and fabricate novel multi-arm DNA structures.
* To fold these structures into 3D hollow prisms.
* To investigate the structural dynamics and opening mechanisms of the 3D DNA prisms.

Main Methods:

* Employed the 2D-DNA Origami technique for initial structure design.
* Introduced connection strands to fold 2D designs into 3D hollow prisms.
* Utilized high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to observe structural dynamics.

Main Results:

* Successfully designed and folded multi-arm DNA structures into 3D hollow prisms.
* HS-AFM imaging captured the dissociation events of connecting arms.
* Observed the opening process of the 3D DNA prism structures at high resolution.

Conclusions:

* The study demonstrates the successful creation of complex 3D DNA hollow prisms.
* High-speed AFM provides valuable insights into the dynamic stability and dissociation of DNA nanostructures.
* Findings contribute to the understanding of DNA structural dynamics for future applications in nanodevices.