Biology at the Single Molecule Level, p. 115-140
DOI: 10.1016/b978-008044031-6/50034-3
Elsevier, Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology, 1-2(74), p. 115-140, 2000
DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6107(00)00018-3
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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. These can affect its interaction with the cell machinery. The response of a single DNA molecule to a mechanical stress can be precisely determined in single-molecule experiments which give access to an accurate measurement of the elastic parameters of DNA.