Biophysical implications of the Peyrard-Bishop-Dauxois model of DNA dynamics

Abstract

In this paper, we expand and elaborate on one of the most widely used nonlinear models of DNA dynamics. A part of this work is dedicated to the parameter of helical interaction within this simple, but not trivial model of a DNA molecule. We also propose an interesting role for the so-called breather solitons emerging from the model and being involved in protein regulation of nonlinear dynamics of DNA. Finally, we examine the possible role of harmonic electric fields in the unzipping of complementary strands of DNA. © 2004 by American Scientific Publishers.