ABSTRACT
We use Förster Resonant Energy Transfer (FRET) in order to measure the increase of flexibility of short ds-DNA induced by the intercalation of dipyridophenazine (dppz) ligand in between DNA base pairs. By using a DNA double strand fluorescently labeled at its extremities, it is shown that the end-to-end length increase of DNA due to the intercalation of one dppz ligand is smaller than the DNA base pair interdistance. This may be explained either by a local bending of the DNA or by an increase of its flexibility. The persistence length of the formed DNA/ligand is evaluated. The described structure may have implications in the photophysical damages induced by the complexation of DNA by organometallic molecules.
ABSTRACT
The aging dynamics under a periodic shear of a concentrated suspension of saponite particles is measured. It is observed that the dynamics is fastened by the application of a moderate shear amplitude. Nevertheless, this acceleration does not affect the dynamics of the suspension when the shear is ceased. By applying a succession of shear of various amplitudes, we conclude that the dynamics of the suspension at a time t(w) after complete rejuvenation is independent of the shear history between times 0 and t(w) , as soon as the amplitude of the applied shear is smaller than the characteristic shear gamma(c) necessary to completely rejuvenate the suspension.
