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Twist, Stick, Fold
06 August 2014

Twist, Stick, Fold

DNA is a very flexible molecule. Aside from its usual role of storing genetic information, here it is being used as a building material. Tiny twisted nanotubes of DNA (purple splodges) are shown stuck to platforms of folded DNA (green star-like structures). Similar to pitons holding climbing ropes to the side of a mountain (although one million-times smaller), the manmade nanotubes act as secure anchor points for strings of amyloid fibrils threaded through the centre (purple lines passing through the splodges). This is a proof of principle, testing out four different ways of arranging such tiny mechanical parts onto platforms, before design can begin on drug-delivering nanostructures inside cells. The amyloid fibrils at the centre of this new technique are also moonlighting molecules. Although being put to good use here they’re infamous to biologists as strong, resilient waste materials that gather in the brain, often giving rise to Alzheimer’s disease.

Written by John Ankers

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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