Antiparallel DNA double crossover molecules as components for nanoconstruction

Antiparallel DNA molecules with an even number of half turns between crossovers (DAE molecules) are useful as rigid components for nanoconstruction. DAE molecules produce a reporter strand on ligation and a few cyclic products. The linear DAE molecules rarely cyclize. A comparison of conventional DAE molecules and those with bulged three-arm branched junctions reveals that DAE molecules are stiffer. DNA molecules with an odd number of half turns are more effective than DAE molecules when a reporter strand is unnecessary for determination of the construction result.