Dynamics in the Folding of Long DNA Chain under Strong Flow

This paper presents the study about the dynamics in the folding of long DNA under strong flow. Direct observation of the folding process of the tethered DNA molecule induced by adding a condensing agent is demonstrated using a microfluidic device, and this theoretical interpretation of the process is provided. From the direct observation, it is found that the folding dynamics typically exhibits characteristic three stages: (i) initial rapid compaction, (ii) slowing-down, (iii) sudden speed-up. Such a notable feature pin-points a nonequilibrium flow effect and can be interpreted by a simple theory, which takes account of the nonuniformity of the tethered chain stretched by flow.