Cable dynamics applied to long-length scale mechanics of DNA

Abstract

This paper introduces the use of cable dynamics models as a means to explore the mechanics of DNA on long-length scales. It is on these length scales that DNA forms twisted and curved three-dimensional shapes known as supercoils and loops. These long-length scale DNA structures have a pronounced influence on the functions of this molecule within the cell including the packing of DNA in the cell nucleus, transcription, replication and gene repair. We provide a short background to the mechanics of DNA and suggest the logical connection to the mechanics of a low tension cable. A computational model is then summarized and example results are presented for DNA supercoiling and looping.