Estimating the persistence length of a worm-like chain molecule from force-extension measurements

Biophys J. 1999 Jan;76(1 Pt 1):409-13. doi: 10.1016/s0006-3495(99)77207-3.

Abstract

We describe a simple computation of the worm-like chain model and obtain the corresponding force-versus-extension curve. We propose an improvement to the Marko and Siggia interpolation formula of Bustamante et al (Science 1994, 265:1599-1600) that is useful for fitting experimental data. We apply it to the experimental elasticity curve of single DNA molecules. Finally, we present a tool to study the agreement between the worm-like chain model and experiments.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Biophysics
  • Computer Simulation
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Elasticity
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • DNA