Figure 4.

Effect of the displacement velocity on the force signal recorded during overstretching an RNA-DNA hybrid. The represented force-displacement curves correspond to four successive pulling sequences applied to the same molecule. The displacement velocities are 10 nm/s (red), 300 nm/s (blue), 500 nm/s (cyan), and 750 nm/s (green). Blue, cyan, and green curves are shifted by 2, 4, and 6 pN for better visualization. Regions between arrows exhibit a smooth force signal. The fraction of the curves occupied by smooth parts increases with increasing displacement velocity. Buffer used in the measurements of this figure is as follows: 150 mM NaCl, 10 mM MgCl₂, and 10 mM Hepes (pH 7.6). To see this figure in color, go online.