Alignment and sensitive detection of DNA by a moving interface.
In a process called "molecular combining," DNA molecules attached at one end to a solid surface were extended and aligned by a receding air-water interface and left to dry on the surface. Molecular combing was observed to extend the length of the bacteriophage lambda DNA molecule to 21.5 +/- 0.5 micrometers (unextended length, 16.2 micrometers). With the combing process, it was possible to (i) extend a chromosomal Escherichia coli DNA fragment (10(6) base pairs) and (ii) detect a minute quantity of DNA (10(3) molecules). These results open the way for a faster physical mapping of the genome and for the detection of small quantities of target DNA from a population of molecules.
Bensimon
A
A
Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
Simon
A
A
Chiffaudel
A
A
Croquette
V
V
Heslot
F
F
Bensimon
D
D
D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012821:Silanes; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013499:Surface Properties
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004279:DNA, Viral; D012821:Silanes; D004247:DNA