STATISTICAL FEATURES IN THE LAKES-STRAITS MODEL AND THE INFLUENCE OF HERNIAS

We evaluate numerically the mobility of DNA chains under field-inversi on gel electrophoresis (FIGE) conditions in the framework of the lakes -straits model introduced by Zimm (Phys. Rev. Lett. 1988, 61, 2965-296 8; J. Phys. Chem. 1991, 94, 2197-2206). We extend the model by allowin g both simple and also multiple-branched hernias; this is achieved by arranging the data structure used in the algorithm so that each fragme nt in a lake can be treated separately. We show that the existence of hernias allows the probe to migrate faster and that with hernias the m obility minimum in FIGE shifts to smaller field periods. These effects occur only if the electric field is strong enough. We also discuss th e influence of the model's parameters on the mobility.