Use AFM to read DNA/RNA/prot sequences

posted on Thu, Jan 17 2013 2:54 AM

rated by 0 users

Original question was: "Can you apply AFM to read the sequence of RNA or protein?"

In the nineties, I remember some researchers started working on oligonucleotides on AFM tip. For instance they put AAA sequences on the surface and the corresponding TTT sequences on the tip. Then they did the same with GGG / CCC and found that the interaction time was 50% higher, proving that there are 2 hydrogen bonds between A and T whereas 3 between G and C.

Then people started working on more complex sequences and the results were more or less convincing. I think it might be possible to use AFM to read sequences of RNA using the same principle, although I never tried that.

Now what do you mean exactly by sequence of protein?

Alex.