Single Molecule Detection in Life Sciences

Abstract

In recent years, the development of single molecule detection (SMD) techniques has opened up a new era of life science. The dynamic properties of biomolecules and the unique operations of molecular machines, which were hidden in averaged ensemble measurements, have been unveiled. The SMD techniques have rapidly been expanding to include a wide range of life science. The experiments on molecular motors, DNA transcription, enzyme reactions, protein dynamics, and cell signaling are summarized in this short review.