Electronic States in Stretched DNA Macromolecules
E. Kaxiras

The amplitude of the electronic wavefunction of stretched poly-CG DNA macromolecule is shown on a cylindrical surface anchored at one of the guanine carbon atoms. The contours show the electron concentration. Stretching of the molecule along its axis leads to significant changes in the overlap between electrons on adjacent bases, which has a dramatic effect on the conductivity of the structure, reducing it by as much as 6 orders of magnitude for an elongation of 90% relative to its natural length.