Anomalous zipping dynamics and forced polymer translocation

Details Anomalous zipping dynamics and forced polymer translocation Anomalous zipping dynamics and forced polymer translocation

2011-02-14

arxiv.org/abs/1102.2714v1

J. Stat. Mech. (2011) P02020

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

15 pages, 9 figures

Scientific paper

10.1088/1742-5468/2011/02/P02020

We investigate by Monte Carlo simulations the zipping and unzipping dynamics of two polymers connected by one end and subject to an attractive interaction between complementary monomers. In zipping, the polymers are quenched from a high temperature equilibrium configuration to a low temperature state, so that the two strands zip up by closing up a "Y"-fork. In unzipping, the polymers are brought from a low temperature double stranded configuration to high temperatures, so that the two strands separate. Simulations show that the unzipping time, $\tau_u$, scales as a function of the polymer length as $\tau_u \sim L$, while the zipping is characterized by anomalous dynamics $\tau_z \sim L^\alpha$ with $\alpha = 1.37(2)$. This exponent is in good agreement with simulation results and theoretical predictions for the scaling of the translocation time of a forced polymer passing through a narrow pore. We find that the exponent $\alpha$ is robust against variations of parameters and temperature, whereas the scaling of $\tau_z$ as a function of the driving force shows the existence of two different regimes: the weak forcing ($\tau_z \sim 1/F$) and strong forcing ($\tau_z$ independent of $F$) regimes. The crossover region is possibly characterized by a non-trivial scaling in $F$, matching the prediction of recent theories of polymer translocation. Although the geometrical setup is different, zipping and translocation share thus the same type of anomalous dynamics. Systems where this dynamics could be experimentally investigated are DNA (or RNA) hairpins: our results imply an anomalous dynamics for the hairpins closing times, but not for the opening times.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Anomalous zipping dynamics and forced polymer translocation does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Anomalous zipping dynamics and forced polymer translocation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Anomalous zipping dynamics and forced polymer translocation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-215331