Statistical mechanical model for proton transfer in RNA

Abstract

The author determines the role of domain walls travelling along the backbone of an RNA double stranded helix in proton exchange events. The results hold for (polyU.polyA) duplexes (U and A are bases paired by means of Watson-Crick H-bond interactions). The author proves that the density of domain walls is increased by the same phonon excitations which would enhance proton exchange with the solvent. The identity of the catalytic groups in the process is established.