Following the assembly of RNA polymerase-DNA complexes in aqueous solutions with the scanning force microscope.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.91.26.12927
• Publication Date: 2006-05-31T13:02:49Z
• Authors: M Guthold; M Bezanilla; D A Erie; B Jenkins; H G Hansma; C Bustamante
• Keywords: DNA clamp; Scanning Force Microscopy

The capability of the scanning force microscope (SFM) to image molecules in aqueous buffers has opened exciting possibility following processes molecular assembly real time and near-physiological environments. This is demonstrated this paper by process RNA polymerase-DNA complexes. DNA fragments deposited on mica imaged Hepes/MgCl2 are shown before after Escherichia coli polymerase holoenzyme injected SFM liquid chamber. protein can recognize bind these within several seconds injection, suggesting that retain their native configuration deposition during imaging. A time-lapse sequence depicting complexes shown. These results represent first step for acquiring capabilities monitor complex biomolecular as they take place ionic solutions characterize spatial organization.