Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 168103 (2008) [4 pages]Effect of Bending Anisotropy on the 3D Conformation of Short DNA LoopsReceived 10 July 2008; published 17 October 2008 The equilibrium three dimensional shape of relatively short loops of DNA is studied using an elastic model that takes into account anisotropy in bending rigidities. Using a reasonable estimate for the anisotropy, it is found that cyclized DNA with lengths that are not integer multiples of the pitch take on nontrivial shapes that involve bending out of planes and formation of kinks. The effect of sequence inhomogeneity on the shape of DNA is addressed, and shown to enhance the geometrical features. These findings could shed some light on the role of DNA conformation in protein–DNA interactions. © 2008 The American Physical Society URL:
http://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.168103
DOI:
10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.168103
PACS:
87.15.La, 82.39.Pj, 87.14.−g
|
|
About | Terms and Conditions | Subscriptions | Search | Help
Use of the American Physical Society websites and journals implies that the user has read and agrees to our Terms and Conditions and any applicable Subscription Agreement. Physical Review®, Physical Review Letters®, Reviews of Modern Physics®, and Physical Review Special Topics® are trademarks of the American Physical Society.