Periodically driven DNA: Theory and simulation.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Statistical Mechanics
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Driven DNA dynamics are crucial for understanding molecular processes.
• Previous models explored DNA behavior under external forces.
• Investigating scaling laws provides universal insights into complex systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a generic model for driven DNA under oscillatory forces.
• To identify and characterize a dynamical transition in finite-length DNA chains.
• To analyze the scaling behavior of the hysteresis loop area.

Main Methods:

• Development of a generic theoretical model for driven DNA.
• Analytical calculations of hysteresis loop area (A_loop).
• High-precision numerical simulations to validate analytical findings.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a dynamical transition in finite DNA chains.
• Observed universal scaling of A_loop with exponents matching detailed models.
• Identified distinct scaling regimes: A_loop ~ ν⁻¹F² at high frequencies and A_loop ~ ν⁻¹F².⁵ at low forces.

Conclusions:

• The generic model captures essential DNA dynamics and scaling laws.
• Exponents are robust and independent of temperature and friction for large, finite chains.
• Findings contribute to a fundamental understanding of driven polymer physics.