DNA REPTATION FROM BACTERIOPHAGE

The kinetics of reptation process of dsDNA leaving the phage head is analysed theoretically. It is assumed that the process is caused by DNA free energy decrease when it is leaving the head (DNA has to be in a globular state) for its surroundings where it is transformed into a coil state. For the analysis we have used the results of previous paper on equilibrium theory of DNA intraphage globule. Three possible cases for the ejection process friction are considered: friction in the tail - part channel, that of DNA segments with each other in the whole globule volume (it is essential for the collective way of the globule decondenstation with simultaneous movement of all the loops - the first type way), the globule friction with internal capsid surface (it is most essential for the decondensation by the way of the globule rotation as a whole << spool >> - the second type way). The first way would correspond to the greatest ejection time. The known experimental data on distinguishing ejection kinetics for phages with short and long tail - parts allow us to formulate arguments in favor of realization of the second way in nature.