Statistical Mechanics of DNA unzipping under periodic force: Scaling behavior of hysteresis loop

TL;DR

This paper models DNA unzipping under periodic force, revealing a dynamical transition to a hysteretic state with scaling behavior similar to spin systems, which can be tested experimentally.

Contribution

It introduces a dynamical transition in DNA unzipping driven by force frequency, with scaling laws analogous to spin systems, providing new insights into DNA mechanics.

Findings

Hysteresis loop area scales with force frequency

A dynamical transition between zipped and unzipped states

Scaling exponents match those of isotropic spin systems

Abstract

A simple model of DNA based on two interacting polymers has been used to study the unzipping of a double stranded DNA subjected to a periodic force. We propose a dynamical transition, where without changing the physiological condition, it is possible to bring DNA from the zipped/unzipped state to a new dynamic (hysteretic) state by varying the frequency of the applied force. Our studies reveal that the area of the hystersis loop grows with the same exponents as of the isotropic spin systems. These exponents are amenable to verification in the force spectroscopic experiments.