Published April 1, 1971 | Version public
Journal Article Open

The writhing number of a space curve

Abstract

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.

Additional Information

© 1971 by the National Academy of Sciences. Communicated by Max Delbrück, February 8, 1971.

Files

FULpnas71.pdf

Files (874.6 kB)

Name Size Download all
md5:a649612c1fc51865732482be1a97e6eb
874.6 kB Preview Download

Additional details

Identifiers

Eprint ID
7499
Resolver ID
CaltechAUTHORS:FULpnas71

Dates

Created
2007-02-28
Created from EPrint's datestamp field
Updated
2019-10-02
Created from EPrint's last_modified field