Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 13.3. A Holliday junction. (Image created by Miguel Ortiz-LombardĀ“a,
CNIO, Madrid, Spain and used with permission.)
strand. The loop in this case consists of the ssDNA region with sequence TTTT.
Stem-loops are often used as markers for visualizing programmed patterning on
DNA nanostructures.
Figure 13.2b illustrates a sticky end where unhybridized sDNA protrudes
from the end of a double helix. The sticky end shown (ATCG) protrudes from
dsDNA (CACG on the bottom strand). Sticky ends are often used to combine two
DNA nanostructures together via hybridization of their complementary ssDNA.
Figure 13.2b shows the antiparallel nature of dsDNA with the 5
u
end of each
strand pointing toward the 3
end of its partner strand.
Figure 13.3 illustrates a Holliday junction, where two adjacent DNA helices
form a junction with one strand of each DNA helix crossing over to the other
DNA helix. Holliday junctions are often used to tie together various parts of a
DNA nanostructure.
u
13.4.3. DNA Tiles and Lattices
A DNA tile is a DNA nanostructure that has a number of sticky ends on its sides,
which are termed pads. A DNA lattice is a DNA nanostructure composed of a
group of DNA tiles that are assembled together via hybridization of their pads.
Generally, the strands composing the DNA tiles are designed to have a melting
temperature above those of the pads, ensuring that when the component DNA
molecules are combined together in solution, first the DNA tiles assemble, and
only then, as the solution is further cooled, do the tiles bind together via
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search