Single molecule Leaf-spring nanoengine

Description: Centola et al designed and characterized a leaf-spring nanoengine (NE) which consists of two 18-helix bundle DNA origami arms connected at one end by a flexure made up of a layer of dsDNA and a layer of ssDNA. A T7 RNA polymerase connected to one of the arms binds to a promoter sequence on a dsDNA bridge connecting the two arms and as it consumes NTPs, drives the structure closed. The tension built up in the flexure then re-opens the structure, preparing it for another cycle.

Structure type: Nucleic acid/protein hybrid

Applications: Molecular machines, Molecular motor, DNA robot, DNA nanotechnology

From: nanobase.org