title: Statistical mechanics and topology of polymer chains.
abstract: The statistical-mechanical treatment of closed polymer chains based on algebraic topology is proposed. Using the Monte-Carlo method numerical results were obtained for the probability to knot formation during random closing of polymer chains of different length. For very rigid chains such as DNA double helix the probability of knot formation is rather great. Topological restrictions in a system of two polymer chains are shown to lead to a specific topological interaction between them.
mesh_terms: D004270:DNA, Circular; D008961:Models, Structural; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D011108:Polymers
chemical_list: D004270:DNA, Circular; D011108:Polymers