ULTRAFAST SEQUENCING OF DNA BY MECHANICAL OPENING OF THE DOUBLE HELIX- A THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION

We propose and evaluate a model experiment; in which the sequence of a DNA fragment is determined by mechanically opening the double helix i n a controlled manner (e.g. pulling an the 3' end of one strand), and measuring the variation of the force exerted by the base pairs on a na nodynamometer (e.g, on a bead in an optical trap or a,class microneedl e attached to the 5' end of the other strand). We show that the major limitation of the approach is the longitudinal elasticity of the alrea dy sequenced single strand sections, which soften the displacement-for ce function and facilitate spontaneous thermal opening of the base pai rs.