Direct measurement of compression spring constant of single DNA molecule with AFM.
Date
2005
Authors
Zhou, X.
An, H.
Guo, Y.
Sun, J.
Li, M.
Hu, J.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Chinese Science Bulletin, 2005; 50(10):954-957
Statement of Responsibility
Zhou Xingfei, An Hongjie, Guo Yunchang, Sun Jielin, Li Minqian and Hu Jun
Conference Name
Abstract
In this paper, a new approach is demonstrated to measure the compression elasticity of single biomolecule in small force regime (<0.5 nN) using vibrating mode scanning polarization force microscopy (VSPFM). With this method we investigate the compression elasticity of a single DNA molecule in the radial direction (perpendicular to DNA strands). The radial deformation of DNA molecules deposited on mica surface is shown to be able to reach about 50% under external load, and this remarkable deformation is reversible. In addition, the compression spring constant of DNA molecules is estimated to be about 0.6 nN/nm according to the height-force curves.