A University of East Anglia DNA research lab.
Credit: University of East Anglia

Scientists have found a way to ‘switch’ the structure of DNA using copper salts and EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) — an agent commonly found in shampoo and other household products.

It was previously known that the structure of a piece of DNA could be changed using acid, which causes it to fold up into what is known as an ‘i-motif’.

But new research published today in the journal Chemical Communications reveals that the structure can be switched a second time into a hair-pin structure using positively-charged copper (copper cations). This change can also be reversed using EDTA.

The applications for this discovery include nanotechnology — where DNA is used to make tiny machines, and in DNA-based computing — where computers are built from DNA rather than silicon.

It could also be used for detecting the presence of copper cations, which are highly toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms, in water.

Lead researcher Dr Zoë Waller, […]