BT504 GDB1 Solution and discussion

Discussion Question:

Discuss Oxford Nanopore?

Important Instructions:

1. Your discussion must be based on logical facts.

2. Your comments on the topic should not exceed 200-250 words.

3. Support your answer with 5 well-versed statements.

4. The GDB will remain open for 2 working days/ 48hours.

5. Do not copy or exchange your answer with other students. Two identical / copied comments will be marked Zero (0) and may damage your grade in the course.

6. Obnoxious or ignoble answer should be strictly avoided.

7. Questions / queries related to the content of the GDB, which may be posted by the students on MDB or via e-mail, will not be replied till the due date of GDB is over.

For Detailed Instructions please see the GDB Announcement.

A nanopore is a nano-scale hole. In its devices, Oxford Nanopore passes an ionic current through nanopores and measures the changes in current as biological molecules pass through the nanopore or near it. The information about the change in current can be used to identify that molecule.

Holes can be created by proteins puncturing membranes (biological nanopores) or in solid materials (solid-state nanopores).

A protein nanopore is set in an electrically resistant polymer membrane. An ionic current is passed through the nanopore by setting a voltage across this membrane. If an analyte passes through the pore or near its aperture, this event creates a characteristic disruption in current (as shown in the diagram below). Measurement of that current makes it possible to identify the molecule in question.