Force spectroscopy with single bio-molecules

Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2000 Oct;4(5):524-30. doi: 10.1016/s1367-5931(00)00126-5.

Abstract

For many biological molecules, force is an important functional and structural parameter. With the rapidly growing knowledge about the relation between structure, function, and force, single-molecule force spectroscopy has become a versatile analytical tool for the structural and functional investigation of single bio-molecules in their native environments. Within the past year, detailed insights into binding potentials of receptor ligand pairs, protein folding pathways, molecular motors, DNA mechanics and the functioning of DNA-binding agents (such as proteins and drugs), as well as the function of molecular motors, have been obtained.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry
  • Protein Folding
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods*

Substances

  • DNA