Fractal Globule, Version #2

Fractal Globule, Version #2

Submitted by Ashok Cutkosky of the Aiden Lab at the Broad Institute

Broad Institute

Ashok Cutkosky
Aiden Lab, Broad Institute
Molecular Dynamics Computer Simulation

"The fractal globule is a particular shape adopted by some polymers, such as DNA, that has a number of interesting properties. Fractal globules are very dense, yet completely unknotted and capable of undergoing local unfolding behaviors. This image was created as part of a simulation used to understand the dynamics of how these fractal structures are formed.  Understanding how the globules form and how robust they are to various topological alterations allows us to make similar predictions about DNA."