# Theoretical models for single-molecule DNA and RNA experiments: from elasticity to unzipping

Source: [Theoretical models for single-molecule DNA and RNA experiments: from elasticity to unzipping](<https://www.sota2.com/research/paper/68fa1e377a2b558e29320d7a>)

Collection index: [llms.txt](<https://www.sota2.com/research/llms.txt>)

Data updated: 2025-10-23T17:06:32.971Z

Authors: S. Cocco, J.F. Marko, R. Monasson

Published: 2002-06-13T17:08:15.000Z

## Abstract

We review statistical-mechanical theories of single-molecule micromanipulation experiments on nucleic acids. First, models for describing polymer elasticity are introduced. We then review how these models are used to interpret single-molecule force-extension experiments on single-stranded and double-stranded DNA. Depending on the force and the molecules used, both smooth elastic behaviors and abrupt structural transitions are observed. Third, we show how combining the elasticity of two single nucleic acid strands with a description of the base-pairing interactions between them explains much of the phenomenology and kinetics of RNA and DNA \`unzipping' experiments.

## Recorded benchmark results

A research result applies to its stated dataset, split, metric and evaluation configuration. Compare like-for-like settings, preserve the metric's unit and direction, and distinguish paper-reported results from independent reproduction. The best result recorded here is not a claim of exhaustive, current global coverage.

## Original sources and implementation

[Original paper](<https://arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0206238>)

[PDF](<https://arxiv.org/pdf/cond-mat/0206238.pdf>)