The homology search process depends on the free energy of double stranded DNA (dsDNA) triplets bound to pre-synaptic filaments . It has been assumed that the total free energy is a linear function of the number of bound dsDNA triplets . We present an analytical model using a simplified version of the known structure of dsDNA bound to ssDNA/RecA filaments. This model predicts that the mechanical energy stored in dsDNA bound to RecA increases non-linearly with the number of contiguous bound dsDNA triplets. We suggest that the free energy increase for the homology searching state is much more rapid than the increase for the post-strand exchange state and propose that this difference may play a vital role in the homology search/strand exchange process .
It has long been known that during homology recognition and strand exchange the double stranded DNA (dsDNA) in DNA/RecA filaments is highly extended, but the functional role of the extension has been unclear . We present an analytical model for the dsDNA tension. The model suggests that the binding of additional dsDNA base pairs to the DNA/RecA filament alters the tension in the dsDNA that was already bound to the filament. Such coupled tension changes may explain several previously unexplained experimental results .
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The homology search process depends on the free energy of
It has long been known that during homology recognition and strand exchange the
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triplets bound to pre-synaptic filaments . It has been assumed that the total free energy is a linear function of the number of bound dsDNA triplets
in DNA/RecA filaments is highly extended, but the functional role of the extension has been unclear
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using a simplified version of the known structure of dsDNA bound to ssDNA/RecA filaments. This model predicts that the mechanical energy stored in dsDNA bound to RecA increases non-linearly with the number of contiguous bound dsDNA triplets. We suggest that the free energy increase for the homology searching state is much more rapid than the increase for the post-strand exchange state and propose that this difference may play a vital role in the homology search/strand exchange process
for the dsDNA tension. The model suggests that the binding of additional dsDNA base pairs to the DNA/RecA filament alters the tension in the dsDNA that was already bound to the filament. Such coupled tension changes may explain several previously unexplained experimental results