Nonlinear elastodynamics and energy transport in biopolymers

Abstract

We present an exact analysis of the intrinsic dynamics of two types of biopolymers, described by the wormlike chain (WLC) and the wormlike rod chain (WLRC) models, respectively. We map each model to a classical field theory for an appropriate unit vector field defined on the space curve formed by the axis of the biopolymer. Conformation dynamics and energy transport are shown to be described, respectively, by the soliton-bearing Landau-Lifshitz equation and the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. This enables us to identify the soliton representing the ``conformon'' hypothesized in biopolymers.

4 pages