Abstract
In this paper we study a statistical model for the packaging of DNA into a phage head. Packaging and ejection of DNA from a capsid by means of a Fokker-Planck approach are discussed. The derived Fokker-Planck equation is based on statistical properties of a DNA chain incorporating energetic as well as entropic properties. The interaction of energetic and entropic properties generate the dynamics of packaging and ejection. This mean field model of a DNA chain allows the analytic calculation of experimental properties such as the translocation time. We also discuss the incorporation of memory terms in the packaging leading to fractional Fokker-Planck equations for DNA packaging.
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Baumann, G., Kleinschmidtt, S., Kleinschmidt, A.K. (2002). A Headful of T4 Coliphage DNA: Dynamical Modelling. In: Losa, G.A., Merlini, D., Nonnenmacher, T.F., Weibel, E.R. (eds) Fractals in Biology and Medicine. Mathematics and Biosciences in Interaction. Birkhäuser, Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-8119-7_28
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-8119-7_28
Publisher Name: Birkhäuser, Basel
Print ISBN: 978-3-0348-9445-6
Online ISBN: 978-3-0348-8119-7
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