DNA is the mastermind behind replication, mutation and evolution, encoding, as well as gene expression. The advent of new computers and software that simulate the structure of this incredible molecule promise to reveal how it achieves this level of multi-tasking.
Current simulation procedures using force fields to represent DNA have two major problems. Classical force fields designed to calculate the potential energy of a system of atoms have well-known biases, which limit their accuracy. Moreover, procedures are limited to study systems in the range of 100 base pairs whereas the simplest DNA molecule from prokaryotes, without a nucleus, is one billion times larger.
Further information: DNA –The force is with you