Different pulling modes in DNA overstretching: A theoretical analysis

D. Marenduzzo, E. Orlandini, F. Seno, A. Trovato

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We study the thermally driven denaturation of a double-stranded polymer in the presence of a stretching force via Monte-Carlo simulations. When one strand only is stretched, the denaturation transition is first order, while when both strands are stretched, melting is second order. By revisiting the Poland-Scheraga model for DNA melting, we show that at room temperature, the most likely scenario is that DNA melts as it overstretches. Our results are in general agreement with the most recent experiments and suggest how varying temperature and stretching mode may help settle the question whether S-DNA exists or not.

Original languageEnglish
Article number051926
Pages (from-to)-
Number of pages5
JournalPhysical Review E
Volume81
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2010

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • DENATURATION TRANSITION
  • MONTE-CARLO
  • SINGLE
  • MOLECULES
  • ENTROPY
  • HELIX
  • WALK

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