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Related Concept Videos

Chromatin Packaging01:32

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 Packaging02:21

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.
The Nucleosome01:19

The Nucleosome

Human DNA is almost two meters long. However, it is compressed inside a tiny nucleus measuring only a few microns in diameter. To make this degree of compaction possible, DNA is organized into several sequential levels so that it can fit into such a tiny space. The most compact form of DNA is a chromosome that can be seen under a microscope in a dividing cell.
In a chromosome, DNA is wound twice around a protein complex called a histone octamer core, which consists of 8 histone proteins. This...
Nucleic Acid Structure01:25

Nucleic Acid Structure

The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms  a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Self-assembly of Complex Two-dimensional Shapes from Single-stranded DNA Tiles
10:23

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

Published on: May 8, 2015

Linear mesostructures in DNA--nanorod self-assembly.

Stephanie Vial1, Dmytro Nykypanchuk, Kevin G Yager

  • 1Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA.

ACS Nano
|May 9, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers discovered a new mechanism for forming one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures. Flexible DNA chains on nanoscale rods spontaneously break symmetry, creating 1D ladderlike ribbons, a novel assembly pathway.

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

  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures typically form through anisotropic interactions.
  • A new mechanism for 1D structure formation has been identified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a novel mechanism for the self-assembly of nanoscale objects into 1D structures.
  • To understand the role of flexible linkers, such as DNA, in directing nanoscale assembly.

Main Methods:

  • Electron microscopy was used for detailed structural analysis.
  • In situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was employed to study assembly kinetics.
  • Analysis of assembly kinetics provided insights into the formation process.

Main Results:

  • A spontaneous symmetry-breaking mechanism drives the formation of 1D structures.
  • DNA-decorated nanoscale rods self-assembled into 1D ladderlike mesoscale ribbons.
  • Reversible DNA binding enabled the formation of hierarchical assemblies.
  • Similar linear structures were observed with alternating rods and spheres.

Conclusions:

  • The discovered mechanism, driven by flexible linkers, offers a new route to 1D nanostructure formation.
  • This mechanism is generic and applicable to various nanoscale objects interacting via flexible linkers.
  • The findings open possibilities for designing complex hierarchical nanomaterials.