Statistical mechanics of double-helical polymers.

We introduce a simple geometric model for a double-stranded and double-helical polymer. We study the statistical mechanics of such polymers using both analytical techniques and simulations. Our model has a single energy scale which determines both the bending and twisting rigidity of the polymer. The helix melts at a particular temperature T(c) below which the chain has a helical structure and above which this structure is disordered. Under extension we find that for small forces, the behavior is very similar to wormlike chain behavior but becomes very different at higher forces.