DNA in a Dissipative Environment: A Charge Transfer Approach

Abstract

Conductivity properties of DNA molecule is investigated in a simple, chemically specific approach, that is intimately related to the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model. In the SSH model, the non-diagonal matrix element dependent on intersite displacements is considered and there is a coupling between the charge and lattice deformation along DNA helix. In order to study the evolution of the electrical current flowing through DNA in the presence of external electrical field, the electrical current is directly extracted from the dynamical equations. Ranges of electrical field and hopping constant value are estimated using MLE approach. The model is studied by means of I–V characteristic diagrams and the environmental effects is conducted through a phonon bath using different lengths of DNA. The NDR and quasi-Ohmic regions are observed.