Phase Transitions of a Polymer Threading a Membrane: Character of the Transition When the Molecule can Undergo a Helix-Random Coil or an Equilibrium Polymerization Transition

Published

January 1, 2003

Author(s)

Edmund A. DiMarzio, John J. Kasianowicz

Abstract

The polymer threading a membrane transition (PTM) which is a first-order thermodynamic phase transition for an isolated linear polymer in the limit of infinite molecular weight is coupled to the helix to random coil (HRC) transition and to the polymerization (P) transition. In each case an exact expression for the partition function of the coupled pair is given as a one-dimensional summation over products of the individual partition functions. For HRC-HRC there are 8 possible translocation modes. For example, as we raise the temperature we can have HI->H2->-R1->R2 in obvious notation. The PTM-P mode is most interesting because one can create polymer in the PTM side even though the P side is in the depolymerization regime! these exact model solutions provide a base for the study of the kinetics of significant technological problems such as the translocation of DNA through pores imbedded in membranes. They also throw light on the nature of polymer-membrane-pore interactions in living cells and viruses.

Proceedings Title

Unsolved Problems on Noise and Fluctuations: UPoN 2002 | 3rd | Third International Conference of Unsolved Problems of Noise and Fluctuation in Physics, Biology, and High Technology | AIP

Conference Dates

September 3-6, 2002

Conference Title

AIP Conference Proceedings

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

polymer threading

Citation

DiMarzio, E. and Kasianowicz, J. (2003), Phase Transitions of a Polymer Threading a Membrane: Character of the Transition When the Molecule can Undergo a Helix-Random Coil or an Equilibrium Polymerization Transition, Unsolved Problems on Noise and Fluctuations: UPoN 2002 | 3rd | Third International Conference of Unsolved Problems of Noise and Fluctuation in Physics, Biology, and High Technology | AIP (Accessed April 29, 2024)