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arXiv · 1512.07039

Modeling the effect of intercalators on the high-force stretching behavior of DNA

Koen Schakenraad·Iddo Heller·Andreas Biebricher·Gijs Wuite·Cornelis Storm·Paul van der Schoot
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Abstract

DNA is structurally and mechanically altered by the binding of intercalator molecules. Intercalation strongly affects the force-extension behavior of DNA, in particular the overstretching transition. We present a statistical model that captures all relevant findings of recent force-extension experiments. Two predictions from our model are presented. The first suggests the existence of a novel hyper-stretching regime in the presence of intercalators and the second, a linear dependence of the overstretching force on intercalator concentration, is verified by re-analyzing available experimental data. Our model pins down the physical principles that govern intercalated DNA mechanics, providing a predictive understanding of its limitations and possibilities.

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Koen Schakenraad, Iddo Heller, Andreas Biebricher, Gijs Wuite, Cornelis Storm, Paul van der Schoot. 2015-12-22. Modeling the effect of intercalators on the high-force stretching behavior of DNA. https://arxiv.org/abs/1512.07039

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