The article "Ten years of tension: single-molecule DNA mechanics" by Carlos Bustamante, Zev Bryant, and Steven B. Smith reviews the advancements in understanding the mechanical properties of DNA over the past decade. Key points include: 1. **Basic Features of DNA**: The double helix structure and its unique physical properties, such as stiffness and high charge density, have been elucidated. These properties influence interactions with proteins and cellular machinery. 2. **Single-Molecule Manipulation**: Direct manipulation of single DNA molecules has revealed insights into the mechanical interactions between DNA and proteins. Techniques like optical tweezers and magnetic tweezers have been used to measure forces and extensions. 3. **Worm-Like Chain Model**: The worm-like chain (WLC) model is used to describe the elastic behavior of DNA, with the flexural persistence length (A) being a crucial parameter. This model predicts that bending DNA smoothly is more energetically favorable than bending it sharply. 4. **Enzyme Mechanisms**: Single-molecule assays have provided detailed insights into the mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, and recombination. For example, the rate-limiting step in DNA replication is sensitive to DNA tension and can generate forces up to 35 pN. 5. **Structural Transitions**: Mechanical forces can induce structural transitions in DNA, such as the formation of plectonemes (pleated structures) under torsional strain. These transitions are described by a phase diagram that includes multiple structural forms of DNA. 6. **Nanotechnology Applications**: DNA's properties make it an ideal material for nanotechnology, including the construction of self-assembled nanomachines. Techniques for manipulating DNA have also been applied to unfold other molecules and study protein dynamics. 7. **Future Directions**: The authors suggest that future research will focus on detailed analyses of mechanical interactions in cellular processes and the development of methods to measure torque in experiments. Overall, the article highlights the significant progress in understanding the mechanical properties of DNA and its applications in nanotechnology and molecular biology.The article "Ten years of tension: single-molecule DNA mechanics" by Carlos Bustamante, Zev Bryant, and Steven B. Smith reviews the advancements in understanding the mechanical properties of DNA over the past decade. Key points include: 1. **Basic Features of DNA**: The double helix structure and its unique physical properties, such as stiffness and high charge density, have been elucidated. These properties influence interactions with proteins and cellular machinery. 2. **Single-Molecule Manipulation**: Direct manipulation of single DNA molecules has revealed insights into the mechanical interactions between DNA and proteins. Techniques like optical tweezers and magnetic tweezers have been used to measure forces and extensions. 3. **Worm-Like Chain Model**: The worm-like chain (WLC) model is used to describe the elastic behavior of DNA, with the flexural persistence length (A) being a crucial parameter. This model predicts that bending DNA smoothly is more energetically favorable than bending it sharply. 4. **Enzyme Mechanisms**: Single-molecule assays have provided detailed insights into the mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, and recombination. For example, the rate-limiting step in DNA replication is sensitive to DNA tension and can generate forces up to 35 pN. 5. **Structural Transitions**: Mechanical forces can induce structural transitions in DNA, such as the formation of plectonemes (pleated structures) under torsional strain. These transitions are described by a phase diagram that includes multiple structural forms of DNA. 6. **Nanotechnology Applications**: DNA's properties make it an ideal material for nanotechnology, including the construction of self-assembled nanomachines. Techniques for manipulating DNA have also been applied to unfold other molecules and study protein dynamics. 7. **Future Directions**: The authors suggest that future research will focus on detailed analyses of mechanical interactions in cellular processes and the development of methods to measure torque in experiments. Overall, the article highlights the significant progress in understanding the mechanical properties of DNA and its applications in nanotechnology and molecular biology.