The Writhing Number of a Space Curve

The Writhing Number of a Space Curve

A geometric invariant of a space curve, the writhing number, is defined and studied. For the central curve of a twisted cord the writhing number measures the extent to which coiling of the central curve has relieved local twisting of the cord. This study originated in response to questions that aris...

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Veröffentlicht in:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS 1971-04, Vol.68 (4), p.815-819
1. Verfasser: Fuller, F B
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
Schlagworte:
Closed curves
Curvature
DNA
Elasticity
Energy value
Mathematical constants
Mathematical rings
Mathematics
Models, Structural
Molecular Biology
Molecules
Numbers
Physical Sciences: Mathematics
Space curve
Tangents
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:A geometric invariant of a space curve, the writhing number, is defined and studied. For the central curve of a twisted cord the writhing number measures the extent to which coiling of the central curve has relieved local twisting of the cord. This study originated in response to questions that arise in the study of supercoiled double-stranded DNA rings.
ISSN:0027-8424
1091-6490
DOI:10.1073/pnas.68.4.815