arXiv · 0910.5294
DNA Breathing Dynamics in the Presence of a Terahertz Field
Abstract
We consider the influence of a terahertz field on the breathing dynamics of double-stranded DNA. We model the spontaneous formation of spatially localized openings of a damped and driven DNA chain, and find that linear instabilities lead to dynamic dimerization, while true local strand separations require a threshold amplitude mechanism. Based on our results we argue that a specific terahertz radiation exposure may significantly affect the natural dynamics of DNA, and thereby influence intricate molecular processes involved in gene expression and DNA replication.
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B. S. Alexandrov, V. Gelev, A. R. Bishop, A. Usheva, K. O. Rasmussen. 2009-10-28. DNA Breathing Dynamics in the Presence of a Terahertz Field. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physleta.2009.12.077
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