Elastic and Proton Dynamics of the DNA

TL;DR

This paper investigates the coupled elastic and proton dynamics in DNA, proposing models that consider the intrinsic structure and proton tunneling, with implications for understanding DNA mutations.

Contribution

It introduces models that integrate elastic and proton dynamics in DNA, addressing limitations of previous rod models and exploring their biological significance.

Findings

Elastic-proton dynamics may influence DNA biophysics

Proton tunneling could be involved in mutation processes

New models accommodate DNA's intrinsic structure

Abstract

The subject of this report is the dynamics of elastic system in conjunction with hydrogen bonds of the DNA. We draw attention to the draw-back of the familiar rod model of the DNA, and make a case of constructing models that could accommodate the intrinsic structure of the DNA. In this respect studying the interplay among the elastic system and the protons of the DNA, is of interest, for it could accommodate the inter-strand as well as the tunneling modes of protons. Following this direction, we come to the conclusion that the elastic-proton dynamics may have a bearing on biophysics of the DNA. The phenomenon of point mutations is discussed within this framework.