Polarizability of G4-DNA observed by electrostatic force microscopy measurements.

Cohen, Hezy; Sapir, Tomer; Borovok, Natalia; Molotsky, Tatiana; Di Felice, Rosa; Kotlyar, Alexander B; Porath, Danny · Nano Lett · 2007

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

G4-DNA, a quadruple helical motif of stacked guanine tetrads, is stiffer and more resistant to surface forces than double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), yet it enables self-assembly. Therefore, it is more likely to enable charge transport upon deposition on hard supports. We report clear evidence of polarizability of long G4-DNA molecules measured by electrostatic force microscopy, while coadsorbed dsDNA molecules on mica are electrically silent. This is another sign that G4-DNA is potentially better than dsDNA as a conducting molecular wire.

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