BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:Data::ICal 0.22 BEGIN:VEVENT DESCRIPTION:Harold Kim\, Georgia Tech\n\n
\n Bending of double-stranded D NA plays an essential role in genome structure and function. However\, the energetic cost of sharp DNA bending is difficult to determine. In this ta lk\, I will explain how we study the energetics of sharp DNA bending using small DNA loops. Using single-molecule Fluorescence Resonance Energy Tran sfer (FRET)\, we measure the lifetime of a DNA loop as a function of loop size. Above a critical loop size\, the loop lifetime changes with loop siz e in a manner consistent with elastic bending stress\, but below it\, beco mes less sensitive to loop size\, indicative of DNA softening. Our result is in quantitative agreement with the kinkable worm-like chain model. Time permitting\, I will also present a new method to compute the equilibrium distribution of forces exerted by a semi-flexible polymer loop.
\n DTSTART:20150212T203000Z LOCATION:Physics Building\, Room 204 SUMMARY:Mechanics of strong DNA bending END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR