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Stretching Short Sequences of DNA with Constant Force Axial Optical Tweezers
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Published on: October 13, 2011

Two-phase stretching of molecular chains.

Alexander V Savin1, Irina P Kikot, Mikhail A Mazo

  • 1Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|February 5, 2013
PubMed
Summary

A new theory explains polymer stretching, revealing that a two-phase behavior in monomers creates a plateau in force-extension diagrams for polymers like DNA. This explains the distinct stretching patterns observed in biomolecules.

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Physics
  • Biophysics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Most polymer chains exhibit simple force-extension diagrams when stretched.
  • Some polymers, like DNA, show complex behavior with a distinct plateau region during stretching.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a unified theory linking polymer force-extension characteristics to monomer subunit properties.
  • To explain the origin of the plateau region in the force-extension curves of certain polymers.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a theory based on the convexity of the monomer deformation energy profile.
  • Utilized simplified planar and 3D polymer models for theoretical illustration.
  • Employed realistic coarse-grained models for validation and microscopic connection.

Main Results:

  • A nonconvex (concave up) region in monomer deformation energy leads to two distinct phases of monomer stretching (weakly and strongly stretched).
  • This two-phase monomer behavior results in a characteristic plateau in the polymer's force-extension diagram.
  • The theory accurately predicts plateau parameters for polymers like alpha-helices and DNA, consistent with experimental data.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed theory provides a general framework for understanding polymer stretching behavior.
  • The presence of weak noncovalent interactions in secondary structures is crucial for observing the two-phase stretching and plateau.
  • DNA stretching plateaus can occur without complete Watson-Crick bond breakage, highlighting the role of monomer deformation.