ABSTRACT:
DNA in viruses and in cells is packed in spaces much smaller than its natural size. This state of confinement places interesting constraints on a variety of biological processes DNA is involved in, such as viral infection, gene expression, and recombination. Quantitative experimentation using techniques such as laser tweezers, cryo-electron
microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy has recently begun to probe in detail the confined state of DNA, both in living cells and in the
test tube. In this talk I will describe this emerging experimental landscape and outline the theoretical challenges it poses. The particular examples I will focus on will be provided by DNA packing in viruses and gene regulation in bacteria.
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Colloquium Friday, October 1, 2004 4:00 PM Physics Building, Room 204 Note special time. Note special room. |
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