title: DNA under Force: Mechanics, Electrostatics, and Hydration.
abstract: Quantifying the basic intra- and inter-molecular forces of DNA has helped us to better understand and further predict the behavior of DNA. Single molecule technique elucidates the mechanics of DNA under applied external forces, sometimes under extreme forces. On the other hand, ensemble studies of DNA molecular force allow us to extend our understanding of DNA molecules under other forces such as electrostatic and hydration forces. Using a variety of techniques, we can have a comprehensive understanding of DNA molecular forces, which is crucial in unraveling the complex DNA functions in living cells as well as in designing a system that utilizes the unique properties of DNA in nanotechnology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA. jingqiang.li@rice.edu.
authors.forename: Jingqiang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA. sitara@rice.edu.
authors.forename: Sithara S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Wijeratne
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA. xqiu@gwu.edu.
authors.forename: Xiangyun
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Qiu
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA. chkiang@rice.edu.|Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA. chkiang@rice.edu.
authors.forename: Ching-Hwa
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Kiang
keywords: DNA; electrostatics; hydration; mechanics