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A DNA-Based Molecular Device Switchable Between Three Distinct Mechanical States

01 January 2002

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A self-assembled DNA-based molecular device is described which can be switched between three distinct mechanical states. The device consists of two supramolecular "arms" connected by a hinge. The arms can be in a closed, relaxed or stretched configuration. The operation of the device is monitored by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Variations in the design of the device have a strong influence on the device's operation kinetics.