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A DNA Superstructure-based Replicator without Product Inhibition

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Abstract

A monomer structure based on a hairpin loop is described that can be linked via short oligonucleotide sequences (linkers) to form polymers. Independence of linked monomers allow for exponential complexity of the polymer structure. A method is described wherein the polymer structure can be replicated semi-conservatively with fidelity, given a source of monomer structures and linkers. Furthermore, the separation of the product from the parent allows for exponential amplification. These steps are achieved by secondary structure constraints and toehold-mediated strand displacement, and occur in the absence of enzymes. The parallel polymerization allows for replication to be achieved in O(log N) time, as opposed to O(N) from a processive process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Caltech M/C 136-93, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, 91125, USA

    David Y. Zhang

  2. Bell Laboratories, 600 Mountain Ave., Murray Hill, NJ, 07974, USA

    Bernard Yurke

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  1. David Y. Zhang
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  2. Bernard Yurke
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Correspondence to David Y. Zhang.

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Zhang, D.Y., Yurke, B. A DNA Superstructure-based Replicator without Product Inhibition. Nat Comput 5, 183–202 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11047-005-4465-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11047-005-4465-x

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