Writhing geometry of open DNA

• DOI: 10.1063/1.1569905
• Publication Date: 2003-05-15T23:33:55Z
• Authors: V. Rossetto; A. C. Maggs
• Keywords: Writhe

Motivated by recent experiments on DNA torsion-force-extension characteristics we consider the writhing geometry of open stiff molecules. We exhibit a cyclic motion which allows arbitrarily large twisting end molecule via an activated process. This process is suppressed for forces larger than femto-Newtons us to show that are sensitive generalization Calugareanu-White formula writhe. Using numerical methods compare this formulation writhe with analytic calculations.