Looking into DNA breathing dynamics via quantum physics

TL;DR

This paper explores DNA bubble dynamics under changing conditions by mapping the problem to a quantum physics framework, revealing universal behaviors and memory effects that align with experimental observations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel quantum physics approach to analyze DNA breathing dynamics, connecting biological phenomena with quantum models and demonstrating universal behavior.

Findings

Exact solution of static bubble dynamics matches nuclear liquid drop model

Quantum mechanical approximation reveals universal breathing behavior

Autocorrelation functions agree qualitatively with experiments

Abstract

We study generic aspects of bubble dynamics in DNA under time dependent perturbations, for example temperature change, by mapping the associated Fokker-Planck equation to a quantum time-dependent Schroedinger equation with imaginary time. In the static case we show that the eigenequation is exactly the same as that of the $\beta$-deformed nuclear liquid drop model, without the issue of non-integer angular momentum. A universal breathing dynamics is demonstrated by using an approximate method in quantum mechanics. The calculated bubble autocorrelation function qualitatively agrees with experimental data. Under time dependent modulations, utilizing the adiabatic approximation, bubble properties reveal memory effects.