title: Mathematical model suitable for efficient simulation of thin semi-flexible polymers in complex environments.
abstract: We present an alternative approach to simulations of semi-flexible polymers. In contrast with the usual bead-rod compromise between bead-spring and rigid rod models, we use deformable cylindrical segments as basic units of the polymer. The length of each segment is not preserved with end points diffusing under constraints keeping the polymer chain nature intact. The model allows the simulation of tension transport and elasticity properties. In particular we describe a new cooperative regime in the relaxation of the polymer from its fully elongated configuration.
authors.affiliation: KU Leuven, BIOSYST-MeBioS, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium. jiri.pesek@biw.kuleuven.be.
authors.forename: Jiří
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pešek
authors.forename: Pieter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Baerts
authors.forename: Bart
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Smeets
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Maes
authors.forename: Herman
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ramon
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000737:chemistry*; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D014404:Tubulin / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D014404:Tubulin