HOW BIG
DiscoverNanofabrication

Nanofabrication

DNA box with a lid: size, dimension and comparison

The adopted reference is about 42 nm.

longer side of the box ≈ 42 nm

nm means nanometer: a unit used for molecules and tiny features in computer chips. Imagine 1 millimeter split into one million equal pieces: one piece measures 1 nm.

2009Documented construction or demonstration

A molecular box that can be opened with DNA keys.

Explore at this scale
DNA box with a lid, interpreted illustration
Interpreted illustration · dimension stated in the fact sheet.
How Big

What does this number measure?

The publication describes a 42 × 36 × 36 nm box assembled using DNA origami. External sequences control its opening. We compare the longer external side, not the diameter of a DNA strand.

Compare the stated dimensions

The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.

Compare with IBM atomic movie frame in the explorer →

Source and limitations

Representative or rounded dimensions according to the source; these are not a confidence interval.

Original interpreted scientific illustration, not a photograph. The box's longer outer side, excluding perspective and lid. A hollow box made of DNA panels with a hinged lid. The segment compares the longer side of the front face, excluding the lid and perspective depth.

Documented construction or demonstration: 2009.

Illustration sources

How Big

Source coverage: Interpreted illustration; only the designated dimension is calibrated.

How Big

Source coverage: Interpreted illustration; only the designated dimension is calibrated.

How Big

Source coverage: Interpreted illustration; only the designated dimension is calibrated.