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Related Concept Videos

Nucleic Acids02:43

Nucleic Acids

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Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
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The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...
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Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscopy that can analyze topographic details of various specimens like ceramics, glass, polymers, and biological samples. AFM offers over 1000 times more resolution than the optical imaging system. Images generated from AFM are three-dimensional surface profiles, offering an advantage over the flat, two-dimensional images from other imaging techniques.
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Nucleic Acid Structure01:25

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Nucleic Acids and Nucleotides01:20

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Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and have instructions for its functioning. The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
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Bacterial Immobilization for Imaging by Atomic Force Microscopy
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High-Resolution Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging of Nucleic Acids.

Pablo Ares1, Julio Gomez-Herrero1,2, Fernando Moreno-Herrero3

  • 1Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|June 30, 2018
PubMed
Summary

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) now images the helical structure of DNA and double-stranded RNA at high resolution in solution. This breakthrough in nanoscale imaging opens new avenues for molecular biology research.

Keywords:
AFM imaging methodsAtomic force microscopyDouble-stranded DNADouble-stranded RNA

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Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has continuously advanced spatial resolution since its invention in 1986.
  • Imaging the double helix structure of DNA has been a long-standing goal in AFM development.
  • Technical advancements, including miniaturized tips and new imaging modes, have driven resolution improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To achieve high-resolution imaging of the helical periodicity of DNA.
  • To extend high-resolution imaging capabilities to double-stranded RNA.
  • To detail the methods for imaging nucleic acids in an aqueous buffer solution.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing advanced Atomic Force Microscopy techniques.
  • Employing miniaturized AFM tips for enhanced precision.
  • Implementing novel imaging modes for molecular structures.
  • Performing imaging with samples immersed in a buffer solution.

Main Results:

  • Successfully imaged the helical periodicity of DNA at unprecedented resolution.
  • Achieved high-resolution imaging of double-stranded RNA for the first time.
  • Demonstrated the feasibility of imaging nucleic acid structures in physiological buffer conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Atomic Force Microscopy has reached a new milestone in resolving molecular structures.
  • High-resolution imaging of DNA and double-stranded RNA in solution is now achievable.
  • The described methods provide a pathway for detailed nanoscale analysis of nucleic acids.