A SCHEME FOR SEQUENCING LARGE DNA-MOLECULES BY IDENTIFYING LOCAL NUCLEAR-INDUCED EFFECTS

An experimental scheme for sequencing large DNA molecules is proposed where DNA strands are replicated, with all nucleotides of a given kind marked with radioactive P-32. The marked strands are affixed to an ap propriate substrate and are kept until most P-32 atoms decay. The loca l damage caused by the decay is expected to allow the identification o f the sites occupied by that particular nucleotide, using atomic scale microscopy (scanning tunneling or atomic force microscopy). Quantitat ive aspects and methodological considerations associated with the prop osed scheme are discussed.