Unzipping single DNA molecules to study nucleosome structure and dynamics
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Updated: May 19, 2026

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging
Published on: January 31, 2019
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Abstract:
DNA unzipping is a powerful tool to study protein-DNA interactions at the single-molecule level. In this chapter, we provide a detailed and practical guide to performing this technique with an optical trap, using nucleosome studies as an example. We detail protocols for preparing an unzipping template, constructing and calibrating the instrument, and acquiring, processing, and analyzing unzipping data. We also summarize major results from utilization of this technique for the studies of nucleosome structure, dynamics, positioning, and remodeling.
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