Statistical mechanics of DNA unzipping under periodic force: scaling behavior of hysteresis loops

Abstract

A simple model of DNA based on two interacting polymers has been used to study the unzipping of a double stranded DNA subjected to a periodic force. We propose a dynamical transition where, without changing the physiological condition, it is possible to bring DNA from the zipped or unzipped state to a new dynamic (hysteretic) state by varying the frequency of the applied force. Our studies reveal that the area of the hysteresis loop grows with the same exponents as of the isotropic spin systems. These exponents are amenable to verification in the force spectroscopic experiments.