Soft elasticity of RNA gels and negative Poisson ratio.
We propose a model for the elastic properties of RNA gels. The model predicts anomalous elastic properties in the form of a negative Poisson ratio and shape instabilities. The anomalous elasticity is generated by the non-Gaussian force-deformation relation of single-stranded RNA. The effect is greatly magnified by broken rotational symmetry produced by double-stranded sequences and the concomitant soft modes of uniaxial elastomers.
Ahsan
Amir
A
Department of Physics, University of California-Los Angeles, CA 90095-1547, USA.
Rudnick
Joseph
J
Bruinsma
Robijn
R
D000465:Algorithms; D001703:Biophysics / Q000379:methods; D004548:Elasticity; D020724:Elastomers; D005782:Gels; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015233:Models, Statistical; D016011:Normal Distribution; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D013718:Tensile Strength
D020724:Elastomers; D005782:Gels; D012313:RNA