Insulating behavior of lambda-DNA on the micron scale

Abstract

We have investigated the electrical conductivity of lambda-DNA using DNA covalently bonded to Au electrodes. Thiol-modified dTTP was incorporated into the `sticky' ends of bacteriophage lambda-DNA using DNA polymerase. Two-probe measurements on such molecules provide a hard lower bound for the resistivity ρ>10^6 (Ohm cm) at bias potentials up to 20 volts, in conflict with recent claims of moderate to high conductivity. By direct imaging, we show that the molecules are present after the measurements. We stress the importance of eliminating salt residues in these measurements.

4 pages in Tex, 3 figures in EPS; updated references