Solitonic speed in DNA

We propose a single molecule experiment that could be carried out in order to measure a solitonic wave speed in DNA. In addition, we discuss possible values of the speed according to the Peyrard-Bishop-Dauxois model of DNA dynamics.

Figure 1

Elongation of the out-of-phase motion as a function of time.

Figure 2

Solitonic speed $V_e$ as a function of the harmonic constant of the longitudinal spring $k$ (a: $K=0.05\mathrm{N}∕\mathrm{m}$; b: $K=0.2\mathrm{N}∕\mathrm{m}$; c: $K=0.5\mathrm{N}∕\mathrm{m}$).

Figure 3

Solitonic wave detection in DNA.

Figure 4

Ratio $V_e∕V_x$ as a function of $k$ (a: $K=0.05\mathrm{N}∕\mathrm{m}$, b: $K=0.1\mathrm{N}∕\mathrm{m}$, c: $K=0.2\mathrm{N}∕\mathrm{m}$).