The cell nucleus is highly dynamic in nature. A myriad of motor proteins translocate along, and rotate around, DNA as they carry out a range of activities. Torque introduced by motor proteins is an essential regulatory factor in biology; however direct measurements of torque have proven to be challenging. To meet this challenge, we have developed an angular optical trapping (AOT) instrument that permits direct and simultaneous measurements of force and torque at the single molecule level. I will discuss our recent efforts in using the AOT to directly measure the torques involved in gene expression and regulation.
Faculty Host: Haiyan Gao
Coffee and cookies before the presentation at 3:15 pm, and refreshments after the presentation will both be served in Room 128.