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Theory of mutations. II. Physical model of genetic stability
Author(s) -
Cooper W. Grant
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
international journal of quantum chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.484
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-461X
pISSN - 0020-7608
DOI - 10.1002/qua.560140108
Subject(s) - stability (learning theory) , physics , dna , physical system , mutation , coupling (piping) , statistical physics , genetics , biology , quantum mechanics , computer science , materials science , gene , machine learning , metallurgy
A physical model for genetic stability of DNA is constructed in terms of the “microscopic” model for uninduced point mutations and the electromechanical thermoelastic properties of the macroscopic “global” DNA system. Theoretical considerations show how experimental data from one of the least complicated but useful genetic systems, T4 bacteriophage, support the proton‐code model of DNA discussed by Löwdin. The stability of an unperturbed DNA system is treated to illustrate the dynamical coupling between the “global” motion of DNA and the stability at local genetic sites. The method for analyzing a DNA system perturbed by “low‐energy” optical or acoustical frequencies is indicated. The model provides a physical explanation for “hot spots” (genetic sites highly susceptible to mutation) and suggests that quantum theory may be as useful in the biological sciences as it is in the physical sciences with respect to designing and interpreting certain experiments in genetics. The incidence of human cancer as a function of chronological age is discussed in terms of the model.