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 of force
Representative stretching force · representative
Typical recorded range: 1 × 10⁻¹² N to 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ N.
A little perspective
Gravitational attraction between two one-kilogram masses one metre apart is about 1.34 times larger on this measurement.
Gravitational attraction between two one-kilogram masses one metre apart: 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
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
A curated gravitational attraction between two one-kilogram masses one metre apart comparison anchor. The representative value and any stated range preserve the backlog measurement convention; operating or experimental conditions can change real observations.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked force is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 5 × 10⁻¹¹ N
For comparison, this page uses representative stretching force. This is labelled representative; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions 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 identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Single DNA molecule stretching force 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
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible weight records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · 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.
Nearest higher value · 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.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.