Stretching dynamics of semiflexible polymers |
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Authors: | B Obermayer O Hallatschek E Frey K Kroy |
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Institution: | Arnold Sommerfeld Center and Center for NanoScience, LMU München, Theresienstr. 37, 80333, München, Germany. obermayer@physik.lmu.de |
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Abstract: | We analyze the nonequilibrium dynamics of single inextensible semiflexible biopolymers as stretching forces are applied at
the ends. Based on different (contradicting) heuristic arguments, various scaling laws have been proposed for the propagation
speed of the backbone tension which is induced in response to stretching. Here, we employ a newly developed unified theory
to systematically substantiate, restrict, and extend these approaches. Introducing the practically relevant scenario of a
chain equilibrated under some prestretching force f
pre that is suddenly exposed to a different external force f
ext at the ends, we give a concise physical explanation of the underlying relaxation processes by means of an intuitive blob
picture. We discuss the corresponding intermediate asymptotics, derive results for experimentally relevant observables, and
support our conclusions by numerical solutions of the coarse-grained equations of motion for the tension. |
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Keywords: | 61 41 +e Polymers elastomers and plastics 87 15 La Biological and medical physics: Mechanical properties 87 15 He Dynamics and conformational changes |
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