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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Nanomanipulation of Single RNA Molecules by Optical Tweezers
Published on: August 20, 2014
Single-molecule studies of RNA polymerase: one singular sensation, every little step it takes
Matthew H Larson1, Robert Landick, Steven M Block
1Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Abstract:
Transcription is the first of many biochemical steps that turn the genetic information found in DNA into the proteins responsible for driving cellular processes. In this review, we highlight certain advantages of single-molecule techniques in the study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription, and the specific ways in which these techniques complement conventional, ensemble-based biochemistry. We focus on recent literature, highlighting examples where single-molecule methods have provided fresh insights into mechanism. We also present recent technological advances and outline future directions in the field.
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