DNA Dynamics under Periodic Force Effects

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jul 23;22(15):7873. doi: 10.3390/ijms22157873.

Abstract

The sensitivity of DNA to electromagnetic radiation in different ranges differs depending on various factors. The aim of this study was to examine the molecular dynamics of DNA under the influence of external periodic influences with different frequencies. In the present paper, within the framework of a mechanical model without simplifications, we investigated the effect of various frequencies of external periodic action in the range from 1011 s-1 to 108 s-1 on the dynamics of a DNA molecule. It was shown that under the influence of an external periodic force, a DNA molecule can perform oscillatory movements with a specific frequency characteristic of this molecule, which differs from the frequency of the external influence ω. It was found that the frequency of such specific vibrations of a DNA molecule depends on the sequence of nucleotides. Using the developed mathematical model describing the rotational motion of the nitrogenous bases around the sugar-phosphate chain, it is possible to calculate the frequency and amplitude of the oscillations of an individual DNA area. Such calculations can find application in the field of molecular nanotechnology.

Keywords: DNA; dynamics of a double-stranded DNA molecule; mathematical model; open states; rotational movements of nitrogenous bases.

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Movement

Substances

  • DNA