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Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes
Published on: April 4, 2025
Efficient Long-Range Hole Transport Through G-Quadruplexes
Jingyuan Wu1, Zhenyu Meng1, Yunpeng Lu1
1Division of Chemistry & Biological Chemistry, Nanyang Technological University, SPMS-CBC-04-22, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore.
Tetra-stranded G-quadruplexes efficiently transport charge over long distances, outperforming duplex DNA. This discovery highlights their potential as electron conduits in nanodevices and biological systems.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is explored for its charge transport capabilities.
- Efficient charge transport is crucial for biological processes and the development of nanoscale electronic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate oxidative charge transport (hole transport) through tetra-stranded G-quadruplexes within a dendritic DNA architecture.
- To compare the charge transport efficiency of G-quadruplexes with traditional duplex DNA structures.
Main Methods:
- Assembly of tetra-stranded G-quadruplexes within a dendritic DNA framework.
- Exploration of oxidative charge transport using UV irradiation.
- Measurement of charge transport efficiency over varying distances (28 Å and longer).
Main Results:
- Efficient charge transport was observed over 28 Å through the G-quadruplex structure.
- Enhanced hole transport efficiency and yield were achieved with longer G-quadruplex bridges compared to duplex DNA (adenine tract).
Conclusions:
- Tetra-stranded G-quadruplexes demonstrate significant potential as efficient long-range electron conduits.
- G-quadruplexes offer superior charge transport properties compared to duplex DNA, suggesting new applications in nanodevices.
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