Abstract: A polynucleotide motor is disclosed, comprising an enzyme capable of binding to a duplex nucleic acid sequence, which enzyme is also capable of translocating the nucleic acid sequence without causing cleavage thereof. The motor may be associated with a substance bound to the nucleic acid sequence so that the bound substance, such as magnetic bead, biotin, streptavidin, a scintillant or the like, can itself be translocated, relative to the region of binding of the enzyme, during translocation. The enzyme remains bound to the original recognition site of the nucleic acid sequence. Such a system has applications in screening or testing for a pre-determined biological, chemical or physical activity; for example, in screening for new pharmacologically-effective ligands.

Abstract: A polynucleotide motor is disclosed, comprising an enzyme capable of binding to a nucleic acid sequence, which enzyme is also capable of translocating the nucleic acid sequence without causing cleavage thereof. The motor may be associated with a substance bound to the nucleic acid sequence so that the bound substance, such as a magnetic bead, biotin, streptavidin, a scintillant or the like, can itself be translocated, relative to the region of binding of the enzyme, during translocation. Such a system has applications in the screening or testing for a pre-determined biological, chemical or physical activity; for example, in screening for new pharmacologically-effective ligands.