Abstract
A single DNA molecule is a long and flexible biopolymer that contains the genetic code. Building upon the discovery of the iconic double helix over 50 years ago, subsequent studies have emphasized how its biological function is related to the mechanical properties of the molecule. A remarkable system which high-lights the role of DNA bending and twisting is the packing and ejection of DNA into and from viral capsids. A recent 3D reconstruction of bacteriophage φ29 reveals a novel toroidal structure thought to be 30–40 bp of highly bent/twisted DNA contained in a small cavity below the capsid. Here, we extend an elastic rod model for DNA to enable simulation of the toroid as it is compacted and subsequently ejected from a small volume. We compute biologically-realistic forces required to form the toroid and predict ejection times of several nanoseconds.
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