STRUCTURE IN THE ELECTRIC-POTENTIAL EMANATING FROM DNA

We present an analytical model, based on a Green-function technique, f or the electric potential surrounding dissolved DNA which treats the f ull, discrete charge distribution of homopolymer B-DNA and the aqueous solvent as concentric, dielectric cylinders. The resulting expression s manifest the symmetry of the system, with terms equivalent to a cont inuous line charge and with distinctive helical terms both due to the sugar-phosphate backbone and due to the base pairs. This theoretical a pproach quantifies the structural information in the potential with co ntinuing approach to the DNA surface.