On the consistency of two elastic models for double-stranded DNA

We present an analytical based proof for the consistency between a new mode l, proposed by Zhou et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 82 (1999) 4560], of the double -stranded DNA (dsDNA) and the well accepted wormlike rod chain (WLRC) model in the regime around the undistorted B-form. The relationship between the Zhou, Zhang, and Ou-Yang (ZZO) model and a recent proposed asymmetric elast ic ribbon model is also discussed. It gives one more evidence that the ZZO model could provide a unified description for the novel elasticity of dsDNA and supports the conclusion that the base-stacking interaction plays an im portant role for the elasticity of dsDNA. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.