Segregation of Polymers in Confined Spaces

Ya Liu; Bulbul Chakraborty

doi:10.1088/1478-3975/9/6/066005

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arXiv · 0906.4023

Segregation of Polymers in Confined Spaces

Ya Liu·Bulbul Chakraborty

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Abstract

We investigate the motion of two overlapping polymers with self-avoidance confined in a narrow 2d box. A statistical model is constructed using blob free-energy arguments. We find spontaneous segregation under the condition: $L > R_{//}$, and mixing under $L < R_{//}$, where L is the length of the box, and $R_{//}$ the polymer extension in an infinite slit. Segregation time scales are determined by solving a mean first-passage time problem, and by performing Monte Carlo simulations. Predictions of the two methods show good agreement. Our results may elucidate a driving force for chromosomes segregation in bacteria.

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Ya Liu, Bulbul Chakraborty. 2009-08-10. Segregation of Polymers in Confined Spaces. https://doi.org/10.1088/1478-3975%2F9%2F6%2F066005

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