Entropy loss in long-distance DNA looping.
The entropy loss due to the formation of one or multiple loops in circular and linear DNA chains is calculated from a scaling approach in the limit of long chain segments. The analytical results allow us to obtain a fast estimate for the entropy loss for a given configuration. Numerical values obtained for some examples suggest that the entropy loss encountered in loop closure in typical genetic switches may become a relevant factor in comparison to both k(B)T and typical bond energies in biopolymers, which has to be overcome by the released bond energy between the looping contact sites.
Hanke
Andreas
A
Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
Metzler
Ralf
R
D001665:Binding Sites; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D004735:Energy Transfer; D019277:Entropy; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D016615:Telomere / Q000737:chemistry*
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D004247:DNA