Coherent collective modes in catalytic RNA

Abstract

We establish the existence ofФ4-solitons travelling along the backbone of an RNA double stranded helix. Taking advantage of the catalytic activity of RNA in proton transfer events, we device a probe for such coherent solitary-wave excitations: We prove that the density of domain walls is increased by the same phonon excitations which would enhance proton exchange. The rationale behind our conclusion is that the uracil bases contained within the domain wall are tautomerized.