Recent advances in atomic force microscopy of DNA.
Three advances involving DNA in atomic force microscopy (AFM) are reported here. First a HEPES-Mg buffer has been used that improves the spreading of DNA and provides good DNA coverage with as little as 200-500 picograms per sample. Second, the new "tapping" mode has been used to improve the ease and resolution of AFM-imaging of DNA in air. Finally, AFM images are presented of single-stranded phi X-174 virion DNA with the gene 32 single-stranded binding protein. A summary of the current state of the field and of the methods for preparing and imaging DNA in the AFM is also presented.
Hansma
H G
HG
Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara 93106.
Sinsheimer
R L
RL
Groppe
J
J
Bruice
T C
TC
Elings
V
V
Gurley
G
G
Bezanilla
M
M
Mastrangelo
I A
IA
Hough
P V
PV
Hansma
P K
PK
D017122:Bacteriophage T4 / Q000378:metabolism; D010584:Bacteriophage phi X 174 / Q000235:genetics / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002021:Buffers; D004277:DNA, Single-Stranded / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006531:HEPES; D016252:Microscopy, Scanning Tunneling / Q000379:methods; D011485:Protein Binding; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D002021:Buffers; D004277:DNA, Single-Stranded; D004279:DNA, Viral; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins; C060035:gp32 protein, Enterobacteria phage T4; D006531:HEPES