DNA has also been used to build miniature machines. One team of scientists made a pair of tiny tweezers that could be pulled shut by adding a certain sequence of DNA. Other scientists have made DNA shapes that can walk up and down a track. DNA machines may eventually become as complicated as living organisms.
'Someday complex structures could be built up by 'DNA ants' that crawl around with sand grains and make them into piles of whatever shape. Or maybe the ants will form the structure themselves.' Paul Rothemund, DNA origami expert, Caltech
Watch this video to see a DNA walker in action. Everything's made from DNA - the walker is attached to the track by short strands that get pulled away, allowing the walker to move. Video: Ned Seeman
