Contains: 1 image
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
You can use this work for any purpose, including commercial uses, without restriction under copyright law. You should also provide attribution to the original work, source and licence. Read more about this licence.
Credit
Synthetic DNA channel transporting cargo across membranes. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Source: Wellcome Collection.
Artist's interpretation of designer DNA channels which selectively transport cargo through a biological membrane. In this 3D model, cargo (e.g. medication or drugs) is shown as coloured spheres, while the mirrored coils represent six DNA double helices which form the channel through which the cargo passes. Inside a cell, these channels are made from membrane proteins that act as gatekeepers to control molecule transport across cell membranes. Researchers are using DNA as a building material to make synthetic channels that mimic these membrane proteins. These DNA nanostructures are much easier to manipulate and are being engineered for use in vaccines, biofuels, biosensors and as research tools.
Digital artwork / computer graphic. Width of image represents less than 1.3 nanometres.