DNA breathing, also known as fraying, describes the spontaneous local conformational transitions occurring within double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Due to the transient and spontaneous nature of this process, the study of real-time DNA breathing transitions at the single-molecule level requires the use of highly sensitive experimentation technologies. Using LUMICKS’ high-resolution optical tweezers, small and transient DNA conformational changes can be monitored in real-time, with an unprecedented stability, which provides scientists with valuable information on the number and frequency of various conformational stages.
The DNA Breathing application note shows the ability of LUMICKS’ C-Trap® to investigate DNA breathing transitions by measuring length changes down to the sub-nm level.
Download the application note here.
