Modulating DNA configuration by interfacial traction: an elastic rod model to characterize DNA folding and unfolding |
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Authors: | Zaixing Huang |
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Institution: | (1) College of Aerospace Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 210016, People’s Republic of China |
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Abstract: | As a continuum model of DNA, a thin elastic rod subjected to interfacial interactions is used to investigate the equilibrium
configuration of DNA in intracellular solution. The interfacial traction between the rod and the solution environment is derived
in detail. Kirchhoff’s theory of elastic rods is used to analyze the equilibrium configuration of a DNA segment under the
action of the interfacial traction. The influences of the interfacial energy factor and bending stiffness on the toroidal
spool formation of the DNA segment are discussed. The results show that the equilibrium configuration of DNA is mainly determined
by competition between the interfacial energy and elastic strain energy of the DNA itself, and the interfacial traction is
one of the forces that drives DNA folding and unfolding. |
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Keywords: | DNA configuration Interfacial traction Thin elastic rod Kirchhoff’s theory |
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