Date/Time
Date(s) - 21/10/2009
3:20 pm - 4:20 pm

Title: Flexibility of short DNA

Speaker: Dr. Ralf Bundschuh – Ohio State University

Institute: Ohio State University – Physics & Biochemistry

Location: ABB 102

Description:

In many biological contexts DNA molecules have to bend in very sharp turns. Thus, it is important to understand the mechanical properties of DNA in these sharp turns. The flexibility of DNA on length scales above 50nm is well understood theoretically. However, there have been experimental indications that this description breaks down on the biologically relevant shorter length scales of these sharp turns. I will present combined theoretical and experimental work that characterizes the mechanical properties of DNA on length scales below 50nm.