Math-Sci Seminar: Localization and compexity of knots in polymers

Speaker:  Prof. Attilio L. Stella   ( Dept. of Physics, University of Padova, IT)

Title: Localization and compexity of knots in polymers

Date: Thu 14 Sep, 2006
Time: 16:45
Place: Science Building, Room Z42

Abstract:

Knots and other forms of topological entanglement are
ubiquitous in systems constituted by long macromolecular
chains. The existence of knots is relevant for molecular
biology, enzymology, chemistry, micromanipulation experiments, etc.
The talk will review recent progress in the solution of
two problems related to knot entropy. The first concerns
the statistical definition of length for knots in fluctuating
flexible polymer rings. The main goal here consists in establishing
weak localization of knots in the swollen phase and delocalization
in the globular phase below the theta point.
Another issue is the study of the spectrum of different knots
resulting from a random process of cyclization of polymeric
chains. In both cases simple and clear laws emerge from the complexity
of the systems. Applications to biological problems (proteins,
DNA, etc.) will also be discussed.

Please visit http://home.ku.edu.tr/~sci-math for a schedule of
upcoming Science -Math seminars at Koc University.