Coarse-Grained Modelling of DNA and DNA Self-Assembly [Paperback]

This thesis presents a novel coarse-grained model of DNA, in which bases are represented as rigid nucleotides. The model is shown to quantitatively reproduce many phenomena, including elastic properties of the double-stranded state, hairpin formation in single strands and hybridization of pairs of strands to form duplexes, the first time such a wide range of properties has been captured by a coarse-grained model. The scope and potential of the model is demonstrated by simulating DNA tweezers, an iconic nanodevice, and a two-footed DNA walker  the first time that coarse-grained modelling has been applied to dynamic DNA nanotechnology.This book presents and demonstrates a coarse-grained model of DNA, simulating DNA tweezers, an iconic nanodevice, and a two-footed DNA walker  it represents the first time that coarse-grained modelling has been applied to dynamic DNA nanotechnology.A Novel DNA Model.- Methods.- Finite Size Effects.- Structural and Mechanical Properties of Model DNA.- Thermodynamic Properties of Model DNA.- Modelling DNA Tweezers.- Modelling a DNA Walker.This thesis presents a novel coarse-grained model of DNA, in which bases are represented as rigid nucleotides. The model is shown to quantitatively reproduce many phenomena, including elastic properties of the double-stranded state, hairpin formation in single strands and hybridization of pairs of strands to form duplexes, the first time such a wide range of properties has been captured by a coarse-grained model. The scope and potential of the model is demonstrated by simulating DNA tweezers, an iconic nanodevice, and a two-footed DNA walker  the first time that coarse-grained modelling has been applied to dynamic DNA nanotechnology.Nominated as an outstanding contribution by the University of Oxford

Presents a novel model with remarkable explanatory power

Holds important potential for dynamic DNA nanotechnologyNL