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Unraveling the Tangled Complexity of DNA: CombiningMathematical Modeling and Experimental Biology to Understand Replication, Recombinationand Repair

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 October 2011

S. Robic  and
J. R. Jungck
S. Robic*
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA 30030, USA
J. R. Jungck
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Beloit College, Beloit, WI 53511, USA
*
⋆ Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

How does DNA, the molecule containing genetic information, change its three-dimensionalshape during the complex cellular processes of replication, recombination and repair? Thisis one of the core questions in molecular biology which cannot be answered without helpfrom mathematical modeling. Basic concepts of topology and geometry can be introduced inundergraduate teaching to help students understand counterintuitive complex structuraltransformations that occur in every living cell. Topoisomerases, a fascinating class ofenzymes involved in replication, recombination and repair, catalyze a change in DNAtopology through a series of highly coordinated mechanistic steps. Undergraduate biologyand mathematics students can visualize and explore the principles of topoisomerase actionby using easily available materials such as Velcro, ribbons, telephone cords, zippers andtubing. These simple toys can be used as powerful teaching tools to engage students inhands-on exploration with the goal of learning about both the mathematics and the biologyof DNA structure.

Keywords

DNA topologyknot theorylinking numbermathematical manipulativessupercoilingundergraduate educationtopoisomeraseswrithetwistDNA replicationrecombination and repair
Type
Research Article
Information
Mathematical Modelling of Natural Phenomena , Volume 6 , Issue 6: Biomathematics Education , 2011 , pp. 108 - 135
Copyright
© EDP Sciences, 2011

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