Single linear DNA molecules were bound at multiple sites at one extremity to a treated glass
cover slip and at the other to a magnetic bead. The DNA was therefore torsionally …

Using single-molecule DNA nanomanipulation, we show that abortive initiation involves
DNA “scrunching”—in which RNA polymerase (RNAP) remains stationary and unwinds and …

Type II DNA topoisomerases are ubiquitous ATP-dependent enzymes capable of transporting
a DNA through a transient double-strand break in a second DNA segment 1 . This enables …

Mechanistic studies in DNA repair have focused on roles of multi-protein DNA complexes,
so how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate DNA repair is less well understood. Yet, …

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 …

In this paper we review the biophysics revealed by stretching single biopolymers. During
the last decade various techniques have emerged allowing micromanipulation of single …

We show that positively supercoiled [(+) SC] DNA is the preferred substrate for Escherichia
coli topoisomerase IV (topo IV). We measured topo IV relaxation of (−) and (+) supercoils in …

By monitoring the end-to-end extension of a mechanically stretched, supercoiled, single DNA
molecule, we have been able directly to observe the change in extension associated with …

By using elastic measurements on single DNA molecules, we show that stretching a
negatively supercoiled DNA activates homologous pairing in physiological conditions. These …

Single-molecule techniques have moved from being a fascinating curiosity to a highlight of
life science research. The single-molecule approach to biology offers distinct advantages …