Looking into DNA breathing dynamics via quantum physics.
We study generic aspects of bubble dynamics in DNA under time-dependent perturbations, for example, temperature change, by mapping the associated Fokker-Planck equation to a quantum time-dependent Schrödinger equation with imaginary time. In the static case we show that the eigenequation is exactly the same as that of the beta-deformed nuclear liquid drop model, without the issue of noninteger angular momentum. A universal breathing dynamics is demonstrated by using an approximate method in quantum mechanics. The calculated bubble autocorrelation function qualitatively agrees with experimental data. Under time-dependent modulations, utilizing the adiabatic approximation, bubble properties reveal memory effects.
Wu
Lian-Ao
LA
Ikerbasque-Basque Foundation for Science and Department of Theoretical Physics and History of Science, The Basque Country University (EHU/UPV), P.O. Box 644, 48080 Bilbao, Spain.
Wu
Stephen S
SS
Segal
Dvira
D
D003198:Computer Simulation; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D011789:Quantum Theory
D004247:DNA