Hidden complexities in the unfolding mechanism of a cytosine-rich DNA strand

TL;DR

This study uses Molecular Dynamics simulations to reveal complex, non-stochastic behaviors in the unfolding pathway of a cytosine-rich DNA hairpin, challenging simpler models of DNA unfolding.

Contribution

It uncovers hidden complexities in DNA unfolding mechanisms caused by non-stochastic effects, advancing understanding of DNA dynamics.

Findings

Revealed complex unfolding pathways in cytosine-rich DNA

Identified non-stochastic contributions affecting DNA dynamics

Highlighted limitations of collective variable descriptions

Abstract

We investigate the unfolding pathway of a cytosine-rich DNA hairpin structure via Molecular Dynamics simulations. Our results indicate a hidden complexity present in the unfolding process. W e show that this complex behavior arises due to non-stochastic contributions which have an important impact on the description of the dynamics in terms of collective variables.