DNA Structure Changes Due to Coupling of Macromolecule Deformation Components

Authors

  • P.P. Kanevska Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, Nat. Acad. of Sci. of Ukraine
  • S.N. Volkov Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, Nat. Acad. of Sci. of Ukraine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15407/ujpe71.7.565

Keywords:

DNA mechanics, twist–stretch coupling, internal conformation, coupled deformation, force-induced response

Abstract

A DNA macromolecule deformation model that includes external and internal deformation components and their coupling is introduced. The external components describe twisting and stretching of the double helix. The internal component is associated with relative displacements of structural elements within base pairs. Coupling of both twist and stretch to the internal component is taken into account. A counterintuitive response is obtained: under tension, the DNA double helix can increase its twist. This anomalous behavior persists up to a critical force, above which the conventional untwisting regime is recovered. The results show that DNA mechanics in the pN force range is strongly affected by coupling between external deformation and internal conformational mobility. The unusual mechanical response is attributed to the influence of the conformational state on deformation through coupling, with the conformational component remaining within a local minimum over the relevant force range.

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Published

2026-06-11

Issue

Vol. 71 No. 7 (2026)

Section

Physics of liquids and liquid systems, biophysics and medical physics

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How to Cite

DNA Structure Changes Due to Coupling of Macromolecule Deformation Components. (2026). Ukrainian Journal of Physics, 71(7), 565. https://doi.org/10.15407/ujpe71.7.565