Plasmid Handcuffing (IMAGE) Duke University Caption A ribbon diagram from X-ray crystallography depicts the four-part RepA complex at the center, and two DNA plasmids locked up or "handcuffed," which prevents them from replicating. Credit Maria Schumacher Lab, Duke University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.