On the limits of near-equilibrium DNA gel electrophoretic sequencing
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Updated: Nov 9, 2026

Single-Molecule Real-Time Visualization of DNA Unwinding by CMG Helicase
Published on: September 27, 2024
G W Slater1, P Mayer, G Drouin
1Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
High field intensities deeply affect the migration mechanisms of DNA in gels. The corresponding large electric forces lead to far-from-equilibrium transport properties such as the limiting mobility, increased diffusion and strong pulsed field responses. We present a theoretical study of the conditions required to retain a near-equilibrium reptation transport behaviour. We then examine the possibility of increasing both the field intensity and the gel concentration to sequence large single-stranded DNA molecules rapidly and efficiently. Finally, we discuss possible experimental approaches based on our theoretical predictions.
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