Molecular crowding effects on stability of DNA double helix

Abstract

Cellular environmental conditions critically affect the structure and stability of double stranded DNA (dsDNA) molecule. It is known that 20-30% of the total volume of the cell is occupied by the molecular crowders. The presence of these crowders, reduces the free space available to the base pairs of a DNA molecule, hence the movement of base pair is restricted. Here, we study the thermal opening of dsDNA molecule using Peyrard Bishop Dauxois (PBD) model. The presence of crowders in the model, that mimic those found in the cell nucleus, is realized through the potential term. Using the equilibrium statistical calculations, we find melting profile and melting probabilities of the chain. The opening of DNA molecule in the presence of these crowders is shown through the density plots. This study reveals that the stability of dsDNA molecule is influenced by entropic as well as enthalpic effects and is more stable in the crowded environment.