Translocation of a Single Stranded DNA Through a Conformationally Changing Nanopore

Abstract

We investigate the translocation of a single stranded DNA through a pore which fluctuates between two conformations, using coupled master equations. The probability density function of the first passage times (FPT) of the translocation process is calculated, displaying a triple, double or mono peaked behavior, depending on the interconversion rates between the conformations, the applied electric field, and the initial conditions. The cumulative probability function of the FPT, in a field-free environment, is shown to have two regimes, characterized by fast and slow timescales. An analytical expression for the mean first passage time of the translocation process is derived, and provides, in addition to the interconversion rates, an extensive characterization of the translocation process. Relationships to experimental observations are discussed.

8 pages, 5 figures, Biophys. J., in press

References in corpus (8)

• Polymer Translocation througha Pore in a Membrane
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• When translocation dynamics becomes anomalous
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Cited by in corpus (5)

• Dynamics of Molecular Motors and Polymer Translocation with Sequence Heterogeneity
• Directed motion emerging from two coupled random processes: Translocation of a chain through a membrane nanopore driven by binding proteins
• Insight into Resonant Activation in Discrete Systems
• Some New Aspects of Dendrimer Applications
• Driven translocation of a polynucleotide chain through a nanopore--A continuous time Monte-Carlo study