Insulating behavior of lambda-DNA on the micron scale

Phys Rev Lett. 2002 Nov 4;89(19):198102. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.198102. Epub 2002 Oct 17.

Abstract

We have investigated the electrical conductivity of lambda-DNA using DNA covalently bonded to Au electrodes. Thiol-modified dTTP was incorporated into the "sticky" ends of bacteriophage lambda-DNA using DNA polymerase. Two-probe measurements on such molecules provide a hard lower bound for the resistivity rho>10(6)Omega cm at bias potentials up to 20 V, in conflict with recent claims of moderate to high conductivity. By direct imaging, we show that the molecules are present after the measurements. We stress the importance of eliminating salt residues in these measurements.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophage lambda / genetics
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electrodes
  • Gold / chemistry

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Gold