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Full-Text Articles in Physics
Additive Modulation Of Dna-Dna Interactions By Interstitial Ions, Wei Meng, Raju Timsina, Abby Bull, Kurt Andresen, Xiangyun Qiu
Additive Modulation Of Dna-Dna Interactions By Interstitial Ions, Wei Meng, Raju Timsina, Abby Bull, Kurt Andresen, Xiangyun Qiu
Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications
Quantitative understanding of biomolecular electrostatics, particularly involving multivalent ions and highly charged surfaces, remains lacking. Ion-modulated interactions between nucleic acids provide a model system in which electrostatics plays a dominant role. Using ordered DNA arrays neutralized by spherical cobalt3+ hexammine and Mg2+ ions, we investigate how the interstitial ions modulate DNA-DNA interactions. Using methods of ion counting, osmotic stress, and x-ray diffraction, we systematically determine thermodynamic quantities, including ion chemical potentials, ion partition, DNA osmotic pressure and force, and DNA-DNA spacing. Analyses of the multidimensional data provide quantitative insights into their interdependencies. The key finding of this study is that …
Application Of The Fisher Dimer Model To Dna Condensation, John C. Baker Iii
Application Of The Fisher Dimer Model To Dna Condensation, John C. Baker Iii
Theses and Dissertations
This paper considers the statistical mechanics occupation of the edge of a single helix of DNA by simple polymers. Using Fisher's exact closed form solution for dimers on a two-dimensional lattice, a one-dimensional lattice is created mathematically that is occupied by dimers, monomers, and holes. The free energy, entropy, average occupation, and total charge on the lattice are found through the usual statistical methods. The results demonstrate the charge inversion required for a DNA helix to undergo DNA condensation.