Issue |
EPL
Volume 89, Number 2, January 2010
|
|
---|---|---|
Article Number | 20001 | |
Number of page(s) | 6 | |
Section | General | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075/89/20001 | |
Published online | 27 January 2010 |
Effect of topology on dynamics of knots in polymers under tension
Rudolf Peierls Centre for Theoretical Physics - 1 Keble Road, Oxford 0X1 3NP, UK, EU
Corresponding author: r.matthews1@physics.ox.ac.uk
Received:
7
August
2009
Accepted:
21
December
2009
We use computer simulations to compare the dynamical behaviour of torus and even-twist knots in polymers under tension. The knots diffuse through a mechanism similar to reptation. Their friction coefficients grow linearly with average knot length for both knot types. For similar complexity, however, the torus knots diffuse faster than the even-twist knots. The knot length autocorrelation function exhibits a relaxation time that can be linked to a breathing mode. Its timescale depends on knot type, being typically longer for torus than for even-twist knots. These differences in dynamical behaviour are interpreted in terms of topological features of the knots.
PACS: 02.10.Kn – Knot theory / 87.15.-v – Biomolecules: structure and physical properties / 82.35.Lr – Physical properties of polymers
© EPLA, 2010
Current usage metrics show cumulative count of Article Views (full-text article views including HTML views, PDF and ePub downloads, according to the available data) and Abstracts Views on Vision4Press platform.
Data correspond to usage on the plateform after 2015. The current usage metrics is available 48-96 hours after online publication and is updated daily on week days.
Initial download of the metrics may take a while.