A Proton‐Fuelled DNA Nanomachine

Abstract

Making DNA blink: A molecular machine based on the DNA i-motif structure is driven by changing pH (see picture). At pH 5, oligonucleotide X* folds into the i-motif (closed state), and complementary strand Y adopts a random-coil structure. At pH 8, X* unfolds and forms an extended duplex with Y. This reversible process can be monitored by means of a rhodamine green label (green circle), whose fluorescence is quenched by a dabcyl moiety (gray circle) in the closed but not in the open state. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2003/z52402_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.