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PHYSICS OF DNA

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Advances in Sensing with Security Applications

Part of the book series: NATO Science Series II: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry ((NAII,volume 218))

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Abstract

The physical aspects of DNA structure and function are overviewed. Major DNA structures are described, which include: the canonical Watson-Crick double helix (B form), B’, A, Z duplex forms, parallel-stranded DNA, triplexes and quadruplexes. Theoretical models, which are used to treat DNA, are considered with special emphasis on the elastic-rod model. DNA topology, supercoiling and their biological signi.cance are extensively discussed. Recent developments in the understanding of molecular interactions responsible for the stability of the DNA double helix are presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 36 Cummington St., Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Maxim D. Frank-Kamenetskii

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  1. Maxim D. Frank-Kamenetskii
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Alexander A. Golovin

  2. Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel

    Alexander A. Nepomnyashchy

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Frank-Kamenetskii, M.D. (2006). PHYSICS OF DNA. In: Golovin, A.A., Nepomnyashchy, A.A. (eds) Advances in Sensing with Security Applications. NATO Science Series II: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, vol 218. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-4355-4_10

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