Stretching dynamics of semiflexible polymers

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Item Type:	Article
Title:	Stretching dynamics of semiflexible polymers
Creators Name:	Obermayer, B., Hallatschek, O., Frey, E. and Kroy, K.
Abstract:	We analyze the nonequilibrium dynamics of single inextensible semiflexible biopolymers as stretching forces are applied at the ends. Based on different (contradicting) heuristic arguments, various scaling laws have been proposed for the propagation speed of the backbone tension which is induced in response to stretching. Here, we employ a newly developed unified theory to systematically substantiate, restrict, and extend these approaches. Introducing the practically relevant scenario of a chain equilibrated under some prestretching force f (pre) that is suddenly exposed to a different external force f (ext) at the ends, we give a concise physical explanation of the underlying relaxation processes by means of an intuitive blob picture. We discuss the corresponding intermediate asymptotics, derive results for experimentally relevant observables, and support our conclusions by numerical solutions of the coarse-grained equations of motion for the tension.
Keywords:	Biophysics, Biopolymers, Chemical Models, Computer Simulation, Diffusion, Elasticity, Mechanical Stress, Molecular Conformation, Molecular Models, Physical Chemistry, Polymers, Statistical Models, Theoretical Models, Time Factors
Source:	European Physical Journal E
ISSN:	1292-8941
Publisher:	Springer
Volume:	23
Number:	4
Page Range:	375-388
Date:	August 2007
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2006-10221-y
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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