A model coupling vibrational and rotational motion for the DNA molecule

J Biol Phys. 2008 Oct;34(5):511-9. doi: 10.1007/s10867-008-9111-2. Epub 2008 Sep 17.

Abstract

We investigate a mechanical model for the DNA molecule using an extension of the Peyrard and Bishop model. In the present model, there are two chains of oscillators linked by a Morse potential, which represent the hydrogen bonds. The rotational and vibrational motions of each base pair are considered and the coupling for these motions are introduced by a nonlinear combination of them in the Morse potential. In this context, thermodynamics and structural properties are discussed.