Computation of writhe in modeling of supercoiled DNA.
We describe four previously unpublished methods allowing the computation of the writhe for a supercoiled DNA molecule modeled by a polymer chain consisting of straight segments. These methods are compared with each other in terms of computational efficiency and the scope of their applicability is discussed.
Klenin
K
K
Division Biophysics of Macromolecules, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Langowski
J
J
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004278:DNA, Superhelical / Q000737:chemistry*; D008433:Mathematics; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008958:Models, Molecular; D014102:Torsion Abnormality
D004278:DNA, Superhelical