Pre-melting dynamics of DNA and its relation to specific functions

We discuss connections between the nonlinear dynamics of double-stranded DNA, experimental findings, and specific DNA functions. We begin by discussing how thermally induced localized openings ( bubbles) of the DNA double strand are important for interpreting dynamic force spectroscopy data. Then we demonstrate a correlation between a sequence-dependent propensity for pre-melting bubble formation and transcription initiation and other regulatory effects in viral DNA. Finally, we discuss the possibility of a connection between DNA dynamics and the ability of repair proteins to recognize ultraviolet ( UV) radiation damage sites.