title: DNA bubble dynamics as a quantum Coulomb problem.
abstract: We study the dynamics of denaturation bubbles in double-stranded DNA. Demonstrating that the associated Fokker-Planck equation is equivalent to a Coulomb problem, we derive expressions for the bubble survival distribution W(t). Below Tm, W(t) is associated with the continuum of scattering states of the repulsive Coulomb potential. At Tm, the Coulomb potential vanishes and W(t) assumes a power-law tail with nontrivial dynamic exponents: the critical exponent of the entropy loss factor may cause a finite mean lifetime. Above Tm (attractive potential), the long-time dynamics is controlled by the lowest bound state. Correlations and finite size effects are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Aarhus, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark. fogedby@phys.au.dk
authors.forename: Hans C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Fogedby
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Metzler