Nonlinear properties of DNA
The set of papers [38,
40,54],
[C1,P10],
has been devoted to the
propagation of nonlinear excitations on DNA molecules.
In [38],
a nonlinear model of DNA which accounts for the
specificity of the base sequences and which suggests a link
between dynamics and functioning of DNA, has been proposed.
Using this model the candidate has investigated the dynamical
properties of specific bases sequences known as promoters,
suggesting a possible role of these in the process of
genetic activation.
In [54], the dynamical properties
are explained in terms of an
effective potential for the coordinates of such excitations.
In [C1], the dynamics of plasmide pBr322
(a ring of DNA with
about 5000 bases)
has been studied and the existence of dynamically active sites
in the promoter regions has been found, this being in good
agreement with experimental results.
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