Diffusion and Segmental Dynamics of Double-Stranded DNA

Abstract

Diffusion and segmental dynamics of the double-stranded $\lambda$-phage DNA polymer are quantitatively studied over the transition range from stiff to semiflexible chains. Spectroscopy of fluorescence fluctuations of single-end fluorescently labeled monodisperse DNA fragments unambiguously shows that double-stranded DNA in the length range of ${10}^2–2\times {10}^4$ base pairs behaves as a semiflexible polymer with segmental dynamics controlled by hydrodynamic interactions.