Ever since its discovery, scientists have known that the DNA molecule is present in every life form. It carries the genetic information of all living organisms and many viruses. Today, however, we will strip DNA of its genetic importance and look at it from a different perspective. We will discuss why DNA attracts attention even outside of the biological context: What is the connection between DNA and liquid crystals? What are end-to-end stacking interactions and why are they important? If you want to get answers on these questions (and many more), keep reading.
Author: Sanja Novak
PhD student at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany studying self-assembly of DNA-based soft-patchy particles; amateur runner & food lover in my free time