Cutting DNA: mechanics of the topoisomerase

J M T Thompson

doi:10.1140/epjst/e2008-00861-1

Cutting DNA: mechanics of the topoisomerase

J M T Thompson

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Taking the accurate theoretical solutions of Coleman and Swigon for a DNA plasmid in a plectonemic state under imposed link and responsive writhe, we examine in detail the working of the two types of cutting enzyme (topoisomerase Type 1 and topoisomerase Type 2). The mechanical processes involved can generate a plethora of outcomes, all assigning different levels of relaxation to the molecule. Alternative outcomes arise when there are co-existing (meta-) stable equilibrium states. Resolution of the outcome would then require a dynamic analysis of the relaxation process, though the Maxwell criterion can offer some guidance.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	175-182
Number of pages	8
Journal	The European Physical Journal. Special Topics
Volume	165
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2008-00861-1
Publication status	Published - Dec 2008

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abstract = "Taking the accurate theoretical solutions of Coleman and Swigon for a DNA plasmid in a plectonemic state under imposed link and responsive writhe, we examine in detail the working of the two types of cutting enzyme (topoisomerase Type 1 and topoisomerase Type 2). The mechanical processes involved can generate a plethora of outcomes, all assigning different levels of relaxation to the molecule. Alternative outcomes arise when there are co-existing (meta-) stable equilibrium states. Resolution of the outcome would then require a dynamic analysis of the relaxation process, though the Maxwell criterion can offer some guidance. ",

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Cutting DNA: mechanics of the topoisomerase

Abstract

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