Single molecule force spectroscopy in biology using the atomic force microscope.
The importance of forces in biology has been recognized for quite a while but only in the past decade have we acquired instrumentation and methodology to directly measure interactive forces at the level of single biological macromolecules and/or their complexes. This review focuses on force measurements performed with the atomic force microscope. A general introduction to the principle of action is followed by review of the types of interactions being studied, describing the main results and discussing the biological implications.
Zlatanova
J
J
Biochip Technology Center, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Bldg. 202-A253, Argonne, IL 60439, USA. jzlatano@duke.poly.edu
Lindsay
S M
SM
Leuba
S H
SH
D001703:Biophysics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry; D004548:Elasticity; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D014783:Viscosity
D011134:Polysaccharides; D011506:Proteins; D004247:DNA