Reading Between the Lines (IMAGE)

Arizona State University

Reading Between the Lines

Caption

As a single chemical base of DNA (blue atoms) passes through a tiny, 2.5nm gap between two gold electrodes (top and bottom), it momentarily sticks to the electrodes (purple bonds) and a small increase in the current is detected. Each of the chemical bases of the DNA genetic code, abbreviated A, C, T or G, gives a unique electrical signature as they pass between the electrodes.

Credit

Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University

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