Influence of Coupling and Embedding Schemes on QM Size Convergence in QM/MM Approaches for the Example of a Proton Transfer in DNA

Roßbach, Sven and Ochsenfeld, Christian (2017): Influence of Coupling and Embedding Schemes on QM Size Convergence in QM/MM Approaches for the Example of a Proton Transfer in DNA. In: Journal of Chemical theory and Computation, Vol. 13, No. 3: pp. 1102-1107

Abstract

The influence of embedding and coupling schemes on the convergence of the QM size in the QM/MM approach is investigated for the transfer of a proton in a DNA base pair. We find that the embedding scheme (mechanical or electrostatic) has a much greater impact on the convergence behavior than the coupling scheme (additive QM/MM or subtractive ONIOM). To achieve size convergence, QM regions with up to 6000 atoms are necessary for pure QM or mechanical embedding. In contrast, electrostatic embedding converges faster: for the example of the transfer of a proton between DNA base pairs, we recommend including at least five base pairs and S A of solvent (including counterions) into the QM region, i.e., a total of 1150 atoms.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Chemistry and Pharmacy > Department of Chemistry
• Subjects: 500 Science > 540 Chemistry
• ISSN: 1549-9618
• Language: English