SFI News:
Amir BarSFI Seminar – Denaturation of Circular DNA
Abstract: DNA denaturation is the process by which the two strands of a DNA molecule separate. This process is essential both for biological processes such as gene transcription and for artificial processes such as PCR. A prototypical model for studying the denaturation of DNA upon heating is the Poland-Scheraga (PS) model, which exhibits quite a unique kind of phase transition.
In this talk I will give a brief introduction to the PS model, and then I will discuss the denaturation of circular DNA, like the one found in plasmids. I will present a generalization of the PS model which accounts for the topological constraint, and discuss how the topological constraint changes the nature of the phase transition.
Note: We are unable to accommodate members of the public for SFI’s limited lunch service; you’re welcome to bring your own.
SFI Host: Ruben Andrist
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The Santa Fe Institute is a nonprofit research center located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Its scientists collaborate across disciplines to understand the complex systems that underlie critical questions for science and humanity. The Institute is supported by philanthropic individuals and foundations, forward-thinking partner companies, and government science agencies.
