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arXiv · 1103.3985

Topological signatures of globular polymers

M. Baiesi·E. Orlandini·A. L. Stella·F. Zonta
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Abstract

Simulations in which a globular ring polymer with delocalized knots is separated in two interacting loops by a slipping link, or in two non-interacting globuli by a wall with a hole, show how the minimal crossing number of the knots controls the equilibrium statistics. With slipping link the ring length is divided between the loops according to a simple law, but with unexpectedly large fluctuations. These are suppressed only for unknotted loops, whose length distribution shows always a fast power law decay. We also discover and explain a topological effect interfering with that of surface tension in the globule translocation through a membrane nanopore.

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M. Baiesi, E. Orlandini, A. L. Stella, F. Zonta. 2011-03-21. Topological signatures of globular polymers. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.106.258301

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