MAKING DNA ADD

Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using DNA-based ex periments to compute solutions to combinatorial problems. However, a p rerequisite for designing a computer useful in a wide range of applica tions is the ability to perform mathematical calculations. The develop ment of a DNA-based algorithm for addition is presented. The DNA repre sentation of two nonnegative binary numbers is presented in a form per mitting a chain of primer extension reactions to carry out the additio n operation. To demonstrate the feasibility of this algorithm, a simpl e example was executed biochemically.