Single DNA molecule stretching force
Single DNA molecule stretching force is the force required to extend a single DNA strand under controlled laboratory conditions.
Also known as: DNA stretching force, single molecule DNA force
How big is it?
5 × 10⁻¹¹ N · representative stretching force
Representative stretching force · representative
Typical recorded range: 1 × 10⁻¹² N to 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ N.
A little perspective
Single DNA molecule stretching force vs Gravitational attraction between two one-kilogram masses one metre apart: weight comparison
The gravitational attraction between two one-kilogram masses one metre apart is about 1.34 times the force stretching a single DNA molecule.
FORCE
Single DNA molecule stretching force is the force required to extend a single DNA strand under controlled laboratory conditions.
This is the gravitational force acting between two one-kilogram objects placed one metre apart in a vacuum.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Single DNA molecule stretching force
Representative stretching force: 5 × 10⁻¹¹ N; representative; range 1 × 10⁻¹² N–1 × 10⁻¹⁰ N.
A representative 50 pN single-molecule force in the DNA stretching regime. Measured force depends on construct, contour state, buffer, temperature and pulling protocol; the molecular image is schematic.
NIST — DNA stretching measurements
The marked representative stretching force is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Gravitational attraction between two one-kilogram masses one metre apart
Force: 6.7 × 10⁻¹¹ N; derived calculation.
Newtonian point-mass force between two 1 kg masses separated centre to centre by 1 m. It is calculated, not a direct force measurement.
Calculated for two point masses from the CODATA gravitational constant; the displayed value is rounded and inherits G's measurement uncertainty.
NIST — 2022 CODATA fundamental constants
The marked force is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 5 × 10⁻¹¹ N
We compare the force stretching a single DNA molecule. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary. The recorded range is 1 × 10⁻¹² N to 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ N.
A representative 50 pN single-molecule force in the DNA stretching regime. Measured force depends on construct, contour state, buffer, temperature and pulling protocol; the molecular image is schematic.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 × 10⁻¹¹ N | 1 × 10⁻¹² N to 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ N | representative |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueGravity and forceLISA Pathfinder free-falling test mass5 × 10⁻¹⁵ NEquivalent differential force on a 1 kg test massThe LISA Pathfinder free-falling test mass is a precisely controlled object in space used to demonstrate technologies for detecting gravitational waves by minimising non-gravitational forces.
Nearest higher valueGravity and forceGravitational attraction between two one-kilogram masses one metre apart6.7 × 10⁻¹¹ NForceThis is the gravitational force acting between two one-kilogram objects placed one metre apart in a vacuum.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NIST — DNA stretching measurementsSingle-molecule DNA stretching context; the atlas uses a representative 50 pN DNA stretching scale.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
MicroscopicDNA double helix2 nmDNA is the molecule that stores hereditary information in living organisms.
MicroscopicIgG antibody molecule14.5 nmAn IgG antibody molecule is a Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign substances.GravityGravitational attraction between two one-kilogram masses one metre apart6.7 × 10⁻¹¹ NThis is the gravitational force acting between two one-kilogram objects placed one metre apart in a vacuum.GravityEarth-Moon L1 tidal acceleration over one kilometre8.03 × 10⁻⁸ NEarth-Moon L1 tidal acceleration over one kilometre is the difference in gravitational pull experienced across a one-kilometre distance near the Earth-Moon L1 point.GravityGravitational attraction between two people one metre apart3 × 10⁻⁷ NThis is the gravitational force that two people exert on each other when separated by one metre.GravityLISA Pathfinder free-falling test mass5 × 10⁻¹⁵ NThe LISA Pathfinder free-falling test mass is a precisely controlled object in space used to demonstrate technologies for detecting gravitational waves by minimising non-gravitational forces.
Fundamental physicsSnowflake aerodynamic drag1 × 10⁻⁶ NSnowflake aerodynamic drag is the resistive force experienced by a falling snowflake as it moves through air.Fundamental physicsPhoton pressure thrust per kilowatt6.7 × 10⁻⁶ NPhoton pressure thrust per kilowatt is the force generated when one kilowatt of light is absorbed or reflected, due to photon momentum.