Electromagnetic, Electronic and Related Properties of DNA

It is now known that segments of DNA chains can generate low-frequency radio waves. Resonance effects between these is believed to lead to spontaneous DNA quakes which make holes large enough for intercalating molecules to get in or out of the double helix [34,35]. 

Although a seemingly infallible method of identification, its viability could be limited by doubts over the authenticity of the specimen taken for testing. The source of the DNA must not be suspect in any way, and the conditions of collection and storage of the biosample (e.g. blood, semen, etc.) must be of adequate standard. Only biological twins have the same DNA. 

Long-range charge transfer properties of DNA are currently of much interest [89], DNA can exhibit wire like behaviour by transporting electrons between intercalated molecules situated along a short chain. This may occur via the successive parallel stacked bases, but different mechanisms have been proposed. According to some, longer chains of DNA act as insulators. 

There is currently much interest in the potential applications of DNA in microchips, computing and molecular electronics. Oligonucleotides may serve as high-resolution matrices for the production of microchips. It is believed that the unique assembly properties of DNA together with its molecular recognition, optical characteristics, stability and adaptability, make it uniquely suitable for development in these fields [90-94,81,95-97]. DNA wires for nanoscale electrical circuitry is also a possibility [98]. 

It is believed that DNA may, in the not-too-distant future, be utilised to power molecular machines and other nanoscale devices [95], When two polynucleotide chains combine to produce a double helix, the amount of energy released per nucleotide pair, is -15% of that produced by hydrolysis of a molecule of ATP, and would be sufficient for practical purposes. ATP-driven molecular machines have been discussed [26,99,100]. 

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