The advent of single molecule biophysics has made it possible to perform mechanical measurements on individual macromolecules and their assemblies. For example, measurements have been made of the action of molecular motors during processes as diverse as muscle action or the packing of DNA in viruses. This talk will examine the problem of DNA packing as one of the key nanoscale challenges faced across the biological spectrum. In particular, I will illustrate the use of hybrid atomistic and continuum ideas to examine DNA packing in viruses and the strength of the protein capsids which serve to contain such DNA.
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