Phase diagram of the ground states of DNA condensates

TL;DR

This study explores how the ground state phase diagram of DNA condensates in a bad solvent depends on the microscopic bending energy model, revealing that the phase behavior varies with the nonlinearity parameter and explaining prior experimental results.

Contribution

It introduces a generalized local elastic bending potential model for DNA, showing the phase diagram depends on the nonlinearity parameter, and connects microscopic energy form to macroscopic phase behavior.

Findings

Phase diagram depends on the nonlinearity parameter x.

Model explains previous experimental and computational results.

Predicts specific geometries of DNA ground states.

Abstract

Phase diagram of the ground states of DNA in a bad solvent is studied for a semi-flexible polymer model with a generalized local elastic bending potential characterized by a nonlinearity parameter $x$ and effective self-attraction promoting compaction. $x=1$ corresponds to the worm-like chain model. Surprisingly, the phase diagram as well as the transition lines between the ground states are found to be a function of $x$. The model provides a simple explanation for the results of prior experimental and computational studies and makes predictions for the specific geometries of the ground states. The results underscore the impact of the form of the microscopic bending energy at macroscopic observable scales.