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Related Concept Videos

DNA-only Transposons02:57

DNA-only Transposons

DNA-only transposons are called autonomous transposons since they code for the enzyme transposase that is required for the transposition mechanism. Insertion of transposons can alter gene functions in multiple ways. They can mutate the gene, alter gene expression by introducing a novel promoter or insulator sequence, introduce new splice sites, and change the mRNA transcripts produced, or remodel chromatin structure.
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
DNA Topoisomerases02:02

DNA Topoisomerases

Topoisomerases are enzymes that relax overwound DNA molecules during various cell processes, including DNA replication and transcription. These enzymes regulate positive and negative DNA supercoiling without changing the nucleotide sequence. DNA overwinding in a clockwise direction results in positively supercoiled DNA, whereas underwinding in a counterclockwise direction produces negatively supercoiled DNA.
Types and Mechanism of action
Topoisomerases are divided into two main types.  Type I...
The DNA Replication Fork01:02

The DNA Replication Fork

An organism’s genome needs to be duplicated in an efficient and error-free manner for its growth and survival. The replication fork is a Y-shaped active region where two strands of DNA are separated and replicated continuously. The coupling of DNA unzipping and complementary strand synthesis is a characteristic feature of a replication fork.   Organisms with small circular DNA, such as E. coli, often have a single origin of replication; therefore, they have only two replication forks, one in...
The DNA Replication Fork01:02

The DNA Replication Fork

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DNA as a Genetic Template02:05

DNA as a Genetic Template

Two structural features of the DNA molecule provide a basis for the mechanisms of heredity: the four nucleotide bases and its double-stranded nature. The Watson-Crick model of double-helical DNA structure, proposed in 1952, drew heavily upon the X-ray crystallography work of researchers Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. Watson, Crick, and Wilkins jointly received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work in 1962. Franklin was, controversially, excluded from the prize for...
DNA as a Genetic Template02:05

DNA as a Genetic Template

Two structural features of the DNA molecule provide a basis for the mechanisms of heredity: the four nucleotide bases and its double-stranded nature. The Watson-Crick model of double-helical DNA structure, proposed in 1952, drew heavily upon the X-ray crystallography work of researchers Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. Watson, Crick, and Wilkins jointly received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work in 1962. Franklin was, controversially, excluded from the prize for...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack
07:44

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack

Published on: August 15, 2018

A nanoscale Jitterbug transformer from DNA.

Seongmin Seo1, Alexander A Swett2, Mallikarjuna Reddy Kesama1

  • 1School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.

Nature Communications
|June 6, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Scientists created a DNA origami Jitterbug transformer, a synthetic nanostructure that mimics viral shells. This adaptive nanomaterial reconfigures upon chemical or optical signals for controlled payload release.

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Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Design and Synthesis of a Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack
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Published on: August 15, 2018

Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami
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Stable DNA Motifs, 1D and 2D Nanostructures Constructed from Small Circular DNA Molecules
09:32

Stable DNA Motifs, 1D and 2D Nanostructures Constructed from Small Circular DNA Molecules

Published on: April 12, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Biomimetic Engineering
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Viruses possess intricate polyhedral shells that transform to release payloads.
  • Deployable auxetic nanostructures with negative Poisson's ratios are lacking in synthetic materials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To engineer a synthetic nanoscale transformer using DNA origami.
  • To create a nanostructure that reconfigures upon external stimuli and mimics viral functions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized DNA origami techniques to construct the nanoscale Jitterbug transformer.
  • Combined mechanical design principles with molecular dynamics simulations.
  • Investigated conformational changes triggered by chemical and optical signals.

Main Results:

  • Developed a DNA Jitterbug that transitions from an octahedron to a cuboctahedron, exhibiting a Poisson's ratio of -1.
  • Demonstrated pore formation on lipid membranes and regulated payload release, similar to viral mechanisms.
  • Showcased the structure's ability to store and release elastic energy during reconfiguration.

Conclusions:

  • The DNA Jitterbug transformer represents a novel synthetic auxetic nanomaterial.
  • This work offers a pathway for creating adaptive nanomaterials for stimuli-responsive nanodevices.
  • The findings have potential applications in synthetic organelles and targeted drug delivery.