The secondary structure of RNA under tension

Details The secondary structure of RNA under tension The secondary structure of RNA under tension

2002-06-18

arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0206348v2

Eur. Phys. J. E 9, 67-77 (2002)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

to be published in Europhys. J. E

Scientific paper

10.1140/epje/i2002-10057-5

We study the force-induced unfolding of random disordered RNA or single-stranded DNA polymers. The system undergoes a second order phase transition from a collapsed globular phase at low forces to an extensive necklace phase with a macroscopic end-to-end distance at high forces. At low temperatures, the sequence inhomogeneities modify the critical behaviour. We provide numerical evidence for the universality of the critical exponents which, by extrapolation of the scaling laws to zero force, contain useful information on the ground state (f=0) properties. This provides a good method for quantitative studies of scaling exponents characterizing the collapsed globule. In order to get rid of the blurring effect of thermal fluctuations we restrict ourselves to the groundstate at fixed external force. We analyze the statistics of rearrangements, in particular below the critical force, and point out its implications for force-extension experiments on single molecules.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The secondary structure of RNA under tension 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 The secondary structure of RNA under tension, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The secondary structure of RNA under tension will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-366523