The elastic properties of DNA are essential for its biological function. They control its
bending and twisting as well as the induction of structural modifications in the molecule …

The mechanical properties of DNA play a critical role in many biological functions. For
example, DNA packing in viruses involves confining the viral genome in a volume (the viral …

TFAM (transcription factor A, mitochondrial) is a DNA-binding protein that activates
transcription at the two major promoters of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)—the light strand …

RecBCD enzyme is a processive DNA helicase and nuclease that participates in the repair
of chromosomal DNA through homologous recombination,. We have visualized directly the …

Gold nanoparticles appear to be superior handles in optical trapping assays. We
demonstrate that relatively large gold particles (R_b= 50 nm) indeed yield a sixfold …

The paper contributes a general dynamical formulation and numerical solution procedure for
studying nonlinear and three-dimensional dynamics of Kirchhoff rods. Target applications …

We have developed an instrument for micromanipulation of single DNA molecules end
labeled with 3-μ m-diameter paramagnetic particles. A small, permanent magnet that can be …

To transcribe DNA, RNA polymerase (RNAP) rapidly factors. Subsequent chain elongation
in the polymermoves along the DNA template, powered by free energy ase-DNA-RNA …

We describe a dual-trap force-clamp configuration that applies constant loads between a
binding protein and an intermittently interacting biological polymer. The method has a …

Optical trapping experiments of different complexities are making a significant impact in
biology. This review seeks to highlight design choices for scientists entering the field or …