Multiple timescales in a model for DNA denaturation dynamics

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dc.creatorBaiesi, Marco
dc.creatorLivi, Roberto
dc.date2008-03-28
dc.date2009-01-28
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-07T12:34:41Z
dc.date.available2026-07-07T12:34:41Z
dc.descriptionThe denaturation dynamics of a long double-stranded DNA is studied by means of a model of the Poland-Scheraga type. We note that the linking of the two strands is a locally conserved quantity, hence we introduce local updates that respect this symmetry. Linking dissipation via untwist is allowed only at the two ends of the double strand. The result is a slow denaturation characterized by two time scales that depend on the chain length $L$. In a regime up to a first characteristic time $τ_1\sim L^{2.15}$ the chain embodies an increasing number of small bubbles. Then, in a second regime, bubbles coalesce and form entropic barriers that effectively trap residual double-stranded segments within the chain, slowing down the relaxation to fully molten configurations, which takes place at $τ_2\sim L^3$. This scenario is different from the picture in which the helical constraints are neglected.
dc.description9 pages, 5 figures
dc.identifierhttps://arxiv.org/abs/0803.4122
dc.identifierhttp://arxiv.org/abs/0803.4122
dc.identifierJ. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 42 (2009) 082003
dc.identifierdoi:10.1088/1751-8113/42/8/082003
dc.identifier.urihttp://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/217524
dc.subjectStatistical Mechanics
dc.subjectBiomolecules
dc.titleMultiple timescales in a model for DNA denaturation dynamics
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