Advanced Mechanical Models of DNA Elasticity

Advanced Mechanical Models of DNA Elasticity PDF Author: Yakov M Tseytlin
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128020369
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 318

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Book Description
Advanced Mechanical Models of DNA Elasticity includes coverage on 17 different DNA models and the role of elasticity in biological functions with extensive references. The novel advanced helicoidal model described reflects the direct connection between the molecule helix structure and its specific properties, including nonlinear features and transitions. It provides an introduction to the state of the field of DNA mechanics, known and widely used models with their short analysis, as well as coverage on experimental methods and data, the influence of electrical, magnetic, ionic conditions on the persistence length, and dynamics with viscosity influence. It then addresses the need to understand the nature of the non-linear overstretching transition of DNA under force and why DNA has a negative twist-stretch coupling. - Includes coverage of 17 contemporary models of DNA mechanics with analysis - Provides comparison of DNA and RNA mechanical features - Covers advances in experimental techniques including AFM, X-ray, and optical tweezers - Contains extensive references for further reading

Advanced Mechanical Models of DNA Elasticity

Advanced Mechanical Models of DNA Elasticity PDF Author: Yakov M Tseytlin
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128020369
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 318

Get Book Here

Book Description
Advanced Mechanical Models of DNA Elasticity includes coverage on 17 different DNA models and the role of elasticity in biological functions with extensive references. The novel advanced helicoidal model described reflects the direct connection between the molecule helix structure and its specific properties, including nonlinear features and transitions. It provides an introduction to the state of the field of DNA mechanics, known and widely used models with their short analysis, as well as coverage on experimental methods and data, the influence of electrical, magnetic, ionic conditions on the persistence length, and dynamics with viscosity influence. It then addresses the need to understand the nature of the non-linear overstretching transition of DNA under force and why DNA has a negative twist-stretch coupling. - Includes coverage of 17 contemporary models of DNA mechanics with analysis - Provides comparison of DNA and RNA mechanical features - Covers advances in experimental techniques including AFM, X-ray, and optical tweezers - Contains extensive references for further reading

Physical and Numerical Models in Knot Theory

Physical and Numerical Models in Knot Theory PDF Author: Jorge Alberto Calvo
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9812703462
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 642

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Book Description
The physical properties of knotted and linked configurations in space have long been of interest to mathematicians. More recently, these properties have become significant to biologists, physicists, and engineers among others. Their depth of importance and breadth of application are now widely appreciated and valuable progress continues to be made each year. This volume presents several contributions from researchers using computers to study problems that would otherwise be intractable. While computations have long been used to analyze problems, formulate conjectures, and search for special structures in knot theory, increased computational power has made them a staple in many facets of the field. The volume also includes contributions concentrating on models researchers use to understand knotting, linking, and entanglement in physical and biological systems. Topics include properties of knot invariants, knot tabulation, studies of hyperbolic structures, knot energies, the exploration of spaces of knots, knotted umbilical cords, studies of knots in DNA and proteins, and the structure of tight knots. Together, the chapters explore four major themes: physical knot theory, knot theory in the life sciences, computational knot theory, and geometric knot theory.

Understanding DNA

Understanding DNA PDF Author: Chris R. Calladine
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080474667
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 349

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Book Description
The functional properties of any molecule are directly related to, and affected by, its structure. This is especially true for DNA, the molecular that carries the code for all life on earth. The third edition of Understanding DNA has been entirely revised and updated, and expanded to cover new advances in our understanding. It explains, step by step, how DNA forms specific structures, the nature of these structures and how they fundamentally affect the biological processes of transcription and replication. Written in a clear, concise and lively fashion, Understanding DNA is essential reading for all molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics students, to newcomers to the field from other areas such as chemistry or physics, and even for seasoned researchers, who really want to understand DNA. - Describes the basic units of DNA and how these form the double helix, and the various types of DNA double helix - Outlines the methods used to study DNA structure - Contains over 130 illustrations, some in full color, as well as exercises and further readings to stimulate student comprehension

Mechanics of Elastic Biomolecules

Mechanics of Elastic Biomolecules PDF Author: W.A. Linke
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401001472
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 223

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Book Description
A representative cross-section of elastic biomolecules is covered in this volume, which combines seventeen contributions from leading research groups. State-of-the-art molecular mechanics experiments are described dealing with the elasticity of DNA and nucleoprotein complexes, titin and titin-like proteins in muscle, as well as proteins of the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. The book speaks particularly to cell biologists, biophysicists, or bioengineers, and to senior researchers and graduate students alike, who are interested in recent advances in single-molecule technology (optical tweezers technique, atomic force microscopy), EM imaging, and computer simulation approaches to study nanobiomechanics. The findings discussed here have redefined our view of the role mechanical signals play in cellular functions and have greatly helped improve our understanding of biological elasticity in general.

Mathematics of DNA Structure, Function and Interactions

Mathematics of DNA Structure, Function and Interactions PDF Author: Craig John Benham
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441906711
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 359

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Book Description
Propelled by the success of the sequencing of the human and many related genomes, molecular and cellular biology has delivered significant scientific breakthroughs. Mathematics (broadly defined) continues to play a major role in this effort, helping to discover the secrets of life by working collaboratively with bench biologists, chemists and physicists. Because of its outstanding record of interdisciplinary research and training, the IMA was an ideal venue for the 2007-2008 IMA thematic year on Mathematics of Molecular and Cellular Biology. The kickoff event for this thematic year was a tutorial on Mathematics of Nucleic Acids, followed by the workshop Mathematics of Molecular and Cellular Biology, held September 15--21 at the IMA. This volume is dedicated to the memory of Nicholas R. Cozzarelli, a dynamic leader who fostered research and training at the interface between mathematics and molecular biology. It contains a personal remembrance of Nick Cozzarelli, plus 15 papers contributed by workshop speakers. The papers give an overview of state-of-the-art mathematical approaches to the understanding of DNA structure and function, and the interaction of DNA with proteins that mediate vital life processes.

Innovations in Biomolecular Modeling and Simulations

Innovations in Biomolecular Modeling and Simulations PDF Author: Tamar Schlick
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 1849735042
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 381

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Book Description
The chemical and biological sciences face unprecedented opportunities in the 21st century. A confluence of factors from parallel universes - advances in experimental techniques in biomolecular structure determination, progress in theoretical modeling and simulation for large biological systems, and breakthroughs in computer technology - has opened new avenues of opportunity as never before. Now, experimental data can be interpreted and further analysed by modeling, and predictions from any approach can be tested and advanced through companion methodologies and technologies. This two volume set describes innovations in biomolecular modeling and simulation, in both the algorithmic and application fronts. With contributions from experts in the field, the books describe progress and innovation in areas including: simulation algorithms for dynamics and enhanced configurational sampling, force field development, implicit solvation models, coarse-grained models, quantum-mechanical simulations, protein folding, DNA polymerase mechanisms, nucleic acid complexes and simulations, RNA structure analysis and design and other important topics in structural biology modeling. The books are aimed at graduate students and experts in structural biology and chemistry and the emphasis is on reporting innovative new approaches rather than providing comprehensive reviews on each subject.

Advanced Structural Materials

Advanced Structural Materials PDF Author: Winston O. Soboyejo
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1420017462
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 526

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Book Description
A snapshot of the central ideas used to control fracture properties of engineered structural metallic materials, Advanced Structural Materials: Properties, Design Optimization, and Applications illustrates the critical role that advanced structural metallic materials play in aerospace, biomedical, automotive, sporting goods, and other indust

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic Acids PDF Author: Victor A. Bloomfield
Publisher: Sterling Publishing Company
ISBN: 9780935702491
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 854

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Book Description
Providing a comprehensive account of the structures and physical chemistry properties of nucleic acids, with special emphasis on biological function, this text has been organized to meet the needs of those who have only a basic understanding of physical chemistry and molecular biology.

Nuclear Architecture and Dynamics

Nuclear Architecture and Dynamics PDF Author: Christophe Lavelle
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 012803503X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 620

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Book Description
Nuclear Architecture and Dynamics provides a definitive resource for (bio)physicists and molecular and cellular biologists whose research involves an understanding of the organization of the genome and the mechanisms of its proper reading, maintenance, and replication by the cell. This book brings together the biochemical and physical characteristics of genome organization, providing a relevant framework in which to interpret the control of gene expression and cell differentiation. It includes work from a group of international experts, including biologists, physicists, mathematicians, and bioinformaticians who have come together for a comprehensive presentation of the current developments in the nuclear dynamics and architecture field. The book provides the uninitiated with an entry point to a highly dynamic, but complex issue, and the expert with an opportunity to have a fresh look at the viewpoints advocated by researchers from different disciplines. - Highlights the link between the (bio)chemistry and the (bio)physics of chromatin - Deciphers the complex interplay between numerous biochemical factors at task in the nucleus and the physical state of chromatin - Provides a collective view of the field by a large, diverse group of authors with both physics and biology backgrounds

Stress-Strain Behavior of Single Vimentin Intermediate Filament

Stress-Strain Behavior of Single Vimentin Intermediate Filament PDF Author: Johanna Lena Block
Publisher: Göttingen University Press
ISBN: 3863953738
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 177

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Book Description
Cells are the basic unit of living organisms and consist of a cytoplasm, which is enclosed by a membrane. As building blocks of life with a plethora of functions, cells have to be equipped with a high degree of mechanical resistance, durability, and variability. In eukaryotic cells three filamentous protein types – actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments (IFs) – form the so-called cytoskeleton, a network that is known to play a key role for the mechanical properties of cells. Among the three filament systems, IFs are special in terms of, for example, their hierarchical architecture, and their cell-type specific expression. In this thesis, vimentin, an IF mostly found in mesenchymal cells, is studied as a model system to learn more about the mechanical properties of IFs, and the underlying mechanisms that determine their robustness, stiffness, and flexibility. Using a combination of optical trapping and atomic force microcopy experiments and stochastic and numerical modelling, vimentin is found to possess impressive physical properties, such as an extendibility of about 3.6 times its initial length and a tensile memory that can be directly linked to the molecular architecture of the protein and the hierarchical construction of the filament. The experimental results show a clear loading-rate- and strain-dependent behavior of single vimentin IFs supporting the hypothesis that vimentin acts as a “safety belt” for cells, protecting them especially at large and fast deformations. The potential to dissipate a large amount of energy that is attributed to distinct non-equilibrium unfolding and refolding of the α-helices, which are the main structural feature of the vimentin monomer, enables vimentin to act as a shock absorber when exposed to large deformations. In case of cyclic deformations, such as in the cardiovascular system, the observed tensile memory could potentially help cells to be compliant with the repeated strain. In conclusion, vimentin is found to display highly interesting and diverse mechanical properties depending on the applied stress that could be linked to the molecular architecture of the filaments and enable vimentin to determine the mechanical properties of cells to a large extend.