Theoretical model of charge mobility in DNA: The path integral approach

Sikarin Yoo-Kong, Watchara Liewrian

Published 2012-03-27, updated 2015-10-21Version 4

A model of the charge-transfer process in DNA is investigated by using the Feynman path integral \cite{FHIP,HP,TF,T}. The base-pairs' coordinates are eliminated resulting to the effective action of the system. The trial action is introduced in order to obtain the expectation value of the equation of motion. The electron will be in the equilibrium between lose and gain energy under the presence of an external electric field when the steady-state is reached. Using the result of the steady-state condition, the impedance function of the charge moving along the DNA chain is also studied. The mobility of charge moving in DNA was obtained and the limits at low and high temperature are also studied. The results of how the mobility depends on temperatures indicate that DNA may possibly be treated as a semiconductor qunatum wire.