Extreme bendability of DNA double helix due to bending asymmetry
Experimental data of the DNA cyclization (J-factor) at short length scales exceed the
theoretical expectation based on the wormlike chain (WLC) model by several orders of
magnitude. Here, we propose that asymmetric bending rigidity of the double helix in the
groove direction can be responsible for extreme bendability of DNA at short length scales
and it also facilitates DNA loop formation at these lengths. To account for the bending
asymmetry, we consider the asymmetric elastic rod (AER) model which has been introduced …
theoretical expectation based on the wormlike chain (WLC) model by several orders of
magnitude. Here, we propose that asymmetric bending rigidity of the double helix in the
groove direction can be responsible for extreme bendability of DNA at short length scales
and it also facilitates DNA loop formation at these lengths. To account for the bending
asymmetry, we consider the asymmetric elastic rod (AER) model which has been introduced …