For years researchers have manipulated molecular complexes and now it has been found that molecular experiments can be autonomous.
Genomicist David C. Schwartz from the University of Wisconsin-Madison published a new study outlining the discovery of RNA polymerase as a molecular motor which propels DNA. Researchers have found that the enzyme they have been using to replicate DNA for experiments is also able to control the movement and direction of DNA molecules.
The process is initiated with the use of a chemical nutrient, which attracts the motorized DNA molecules. They are then able to function accordingly with regard to the environment they are in, which is regulated by temperature or through nanoscale geometric patterns on the surface of a culture plate.
This is a significant discovery for scientists as it means that they no longer require dependence on robots to conduct mundane and arduous lab work. These greatly miniaturised systems also optimise the efficiency of conducting molecular experiments by enabling faster and precise transportation of molecules.
For the original article click link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146501.php
Fi Kim
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References
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K. Eric Drexler et.al (2001) Assemblers [internet] http://lamp.tu-graz.ac.at/~hadley/nanoscience/assemblers/assemblers.php Accessed on 19/04/09
