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The Mechanical Genome in Regulation and Infection

Citation

Chen, Yi-Ju (2015) The Mechanical Genome in Regulation and Infection. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/Z9PC308X. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05072015-162723691

Abstract

Biological information storage and retrieval is a dynamic process that requires the genome to undergo dramatic structural rearrangements. Recent advances in single-molecule techniques have allowed precise quantification of the nano-mechanical properties of DNA [1, 2], and direct in vivo observation of molecules in action [3]. In this work, we will examine elasticity in protein-mediated DNA looping, whose structural rearrangement is essential for transcriptional regulation in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. We will look at hydrodynamics in the process of viral DNA ejection, which mediates information transfer and exchange and has prominent implications in evolution. As in the case of Kepler's laws of planetary motion leading to Newton's gravitational theory, and the allometric scaling laws in biology revealing the organizing principles of complex networks [4], experimental data collapse in these biological phenomena has guided much of our studies and urged us to find the underlying physical principles.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:protein-mediated DNA looping, viral DNA ejection
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Phillips, Robert B.
Thesis Committee:
  • Politzer, Hugh David (chair)
  • Roukes, Michael Lee
  • Cai, Long
  • Phillips, Robert B.
Defense Date:5 May 2015
Non-Caltech Author Email:NaomiChen137 (AT) gmail.com
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:05072015-162723691
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05072015-162723691
DOI:10.7907/Z9PC308X
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0075799DOIArticle adapted for ch. 2-3
http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1415685111DOIArticle adapted for ch. 2-3
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2012.05.023DOIArticle adapted for ch. 4
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:8850
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Yi Ju Chen
Deposited On:19 May 2015 16:25
Last Modified:08 Nov 2023 00:41

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