We report direct measurements of the intrinsic electrical characteristics of polynucleotides using a conducting-probe atomic-force microscope under vacuum. Poly(dA).poly(dT) self-assemble a cross-interlaced network on mica, but poly(dG).poly(dC) self-organize a uniform two-dimensional reticulated structure. Transport studies demonstrate that poly(dG).poly(dC) can act as a semiconducting nanowire and show a better conductance than that in poly(dA).poly(dT). (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(00)01045-7].