DNA Gel Concept Illustration (IMAGE)

University of California - Santa Barbara

DNA Gel Concept Illustration

Caption

The DNA gel is composed of stiff DNA nanotubes connected to each other via long, flexible DNA linkers. A motor protein, FtsK50C, binds to special sites on the linkers. When ATP, a biochemical fuel, is allowed to permeate the gel, the motor molecules reel in the linkers to which they are bound, drawing nanotubes together, and stiffening the gel.

Credit

Peter Allen, UCSB

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