Modelling DNA at the mesoscale: a challenge for nonlinear science?

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges of modeling DNA as a nonlinear lattice at the mesoscale, highlighting experimental constraints and open problems in understanding DNA behavior at biologically relevant scales.

Contribution

It reviews the current state of nonlinear modeling of DNA at the mesoscale and identifies key open problems for future research.

Findings

DNA modeled as a nonlinear lattice at mesoscale

Experimental data constrains model development

Open problems remain in modeling small DNA segments

Abstract

When it is viewed at the scale of a base pair, DNA appears as a nonlinear lattice. Modelling its properties is a fascinating goal. The detailed experiments that can be performed on this system impose constraints on the models and can be used as a guide to improve them. There are nevertheless many open problems, particularly to describe DNA at the scale of a few tens of base pairs, which is relevant for many biological phenomena.