Making Contact (IMAGE)

Arizona State University

Making Contact

Caption

A gold probe, outfitted with a dangling nucleotide approaches its complementary base, protruding upward from a monolayer. A set point current is established for the tunnel junction as the bases self-assemble. As the electrode is slowly withdrawn, the drop in tunneling current is recorded. Examining the curve of current vs. distance allows the identification of A-T base pairs, which may be distinguished from more strongly bonded C-G pairs -- cemented by 3 rather than 2 hydrogen bonds.

Credit

Biodesign Institute at ASU

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