Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
09:26
DNA-Tethered RNA Polymerase for Programmable In vitro Transcription and Molecular Computation
Published on: December 29, 2021
4.9K
Sequence-Dependent Photocurrent Generation through Long-Distance Excess-Electron Transfer in DNA
Shih-Hsun Lin1, Mamoru Fujitsuka2, Tetsuro Majima3
1The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|June 1, 2016
Summary
Researchers studied electron transfer in DNA for biosensor applications. They found that DNA facilitates long-distance electron transfer via a hopping mechanism, with photocurrent generation depending on the DNA sequence.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Molecular Electronics
- Biosensor Technology
Background:
- DNA's π-stacking enables charge transfer, making it a candidate for biosensors.
- Cathodic photocurrent generation via hole transfer in DNA is understood.
- Anodic photocurrent generation from excess-electron transfer in DNA remains less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate anodic photocurrent generation in DNA.
- To understand excess-electron transfer mechanisms in DNA.
- To determine the sequence dependence of DNA-mediated photocurrent.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a DNA-modified gold (Au) electrode.
- Measurement of anodic photocurrent.
- Analysis of electron transfer mechanisms and sequence effects.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated long-distance excess-electron transfer in DNA.
- Identified a hopping mechanism as dominant for electron transfer.
- Confirmed that photocurrent generation is dependent on the DNA sequence.
Conclusions:
- DNA supports efficient long-distance excess-electron transfer.
- The hopping mechanism governs electron transport in DNA for anodic photocurrent.
- DNA sequence is a critical factor influencing photocurrent generation in biosensors.
Related Concept Videos
03:00Next-generation Sequencing
100.7K
The first human genome sequencing project cost $2.7 billion and was declared complete in 2003, after 15 years of international cooperation and collaboration between several research teams and funding agencies. Today, with the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies, the cost and time of sequencing a human genome have dropped over 100 fold.
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods
Although all next-generation methods use different technologies, they all share a set of standard features....
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods
Although all next-generation methods use different technologies, they all share a set of standard features....
100.7K
01:59Lagging Strand Synthesis
63.2K
During replication, the complementary strands in double-stranded DNA are synthesized at different rates. Replication first begins on the leading strand. Replication starts later, occurs more slowly, and proceeds discontinuously on the lagging strand.
There are several major differences between synthesis of the leading strand and synthesis of the lagging strand. 1) Leading strand synthesis happens in the direction of replication fork opening, whereas lagging strand synthesis happens in the...
There are several major differences between synthesis of the leading strand and synthesis of the lagging strand. 1) Leading strand synthesis happens in the direction of replication fork opening, whereas lagging strand synthesis happens in the...
63.2K
02:08Gene Conversion
10.8K
Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...
10.8K
01:57Sanger Sequencing
777.7K
DNA sequencing is a fundamental technique that is routinely used in the biological sciences. This method can be applied to a range of questions at different scales - from the sequencing of a cloned DNA fragment or the study of a mutation in a gene up to whole-genome sequencing. However, despite the widespread use of sequencing today, it was not until 1977 that Fredrick Sanger and his collaborators developed the chain-termination method to decode DNA sequences. It relies on the separation of a...
777.7K