Complete Phase Diagram of DNA Unzipping: Eye, Y-fork and triple point

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive phase diagram for DNA unzipping, revealing ensemble dependence, an 'eye' phase, and a triple point through analytical and numerical methods.

Contribution

It provides the first complete phase diagram of DNA unzipping, including novel features like the 'eye' phase and triple point, with detailed ensemble analysis.

Findings

Identification of an 'eye' phase in DNA unzipping

Discovery of a triple point in the phase diagram

Demonstration of ensemble dependence at various s values

Abstract

We study the unzipping of double stranded DNA (dsDNA) by applying a pulling force at a fraction $s$ $(0 \le s \le 1)$ from the anchored end. From exact analytical and numerical results, the complete phase diagram is presented. The phase diagram shows a strong ensemble dependence for various values of $s$. In addition, we show the existence of an ``eye'' phase and a triple point.