Regensburg 2004 – scientific programme
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AKB: Biologische Physik
AKB 50: Poster Session "Biological Physics"
AKB 50.40: Poster
Friday, March 12, 2004, 10:30–13:00, B
Dynamics of Tension in Semiflexible Polymers — •Oskar Hallatschek1, Erwin Frey1,2, and Klaus Kroy1 — 1Abteilung Theorie, Hahn-Meitner Institut, Glienicker Str. 100, 14109 Berlin, Germany — 2Fachbereich Physik, Freie Universität,14195 Berlin, Germany
We present a general discussion of non-equilibrium tension propagation through a semiflexible polymer in various situations of experimental interest. Typical situations include the response of the polymer’s conformation to a given longitudinal force at one end, or the relaxation of the polymer after it has been equilibrated under a certain applied tension. In both cases the propagation of tension exhibits power law behavior, but with distinct dynamic exponents. Whereas the initial exponent always equals 1/8, the exponent for late time propagation depends on the experimental situation. Based on a set of coarse-grained equations of motion we give a unified theoretical explanation of the various scenarios. In addition, we discuss the behavior of end grafted chains in an external field, and analyze the problem of a polymer that undergoes a sudden temperature change.