Influence of supercoiling on the disruption of dsDNA

Details Influence of supercoiling on the disruption of dsDNA Influence of supercoiling on the disruption of dsDNA

2004-12-09

arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0412238v1

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

Scientific paper

10.1063/1.2042367

We propose that supercoiling energizes double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) so as to facilitate thermal fluctuations to an unzipped state. We support this with a model of two elastic rods coupled via forces that represent base pair interactions. Supercoiling is shown to lead to a spatially localized higher energy state in a small region of dsDNA consisting of a few base pairs. This causes the distance between specific base pairs to be extended, enhancing the thermal probability for their disruption. Our theory permits the development of an analogy between this unzipping transition and a second order phase transition, for which the possibility of a new set of critical exponents is identified.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Influence of supercoiling on the disruption of dsDNA 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 Influence of supercoiling on the disruption of dsDNA, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Influence of supercoiling on the disruption of dsDNA will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-151929