Before revision: In mechanical models of DNA, twist-bend coupling is a cross interaction term originating from the asymmetry between major and minor grooves. We show that such coupling induces minimal energy shapes of overtwisted DNA minicircles resembling rounded polygons, with a periodic alternance of parts with high and low curvature .
After revision: In mechanical models of DNA, twist-bend coupling is a cross interaction term discussed in the recent DNA literature, induces minimal energy shapes of overtwisted DNA minicircles resembling rounded polygons, with a periodic alternance of parts with high and low curvature .