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Conserved linear dynamics of single-molecule Brownian motion

Author

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  • Maged F. Serag

    (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST))

  • Satoshi Habuchi

    (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST))

Abstract

Macromolecular diffusion in homogeneous fluid at length scales greater than the size of the molecule is regarded as a random process. The mean-squared displacement (MSD) of molecules in this regime increases linearly with time. Here we show that non-random motion of DNA molecules in this regime that is undetectable by the MSD analysis can be quantified by characterizing the molecular motion relative to a latticed frame of reference. Our lattice occupancy analysis reveals unexpected sub-modes of motion of DNA that deviate from expected random motion in the linear, diffusive regime. We demonstrate that a subtle interplay between these sub-modes causes the overall diffusive motion of DNA to appear to conform to the linear regime. Our results show that apparently random motion of macromolecules could be governed by non-random dynamics that are detectable only by their relative motion. Our analytical approach should advance broad understanding of diffusion processes of fundamental relevance.

Suggested Citation

  • Maged F. Serag & Satoshi Habuchi, 2017. "Conserved linear dynamics of single-molecule Brownian motion," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms15675
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15675
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