Worm-like chain

A worm-like chain is like a long, squishy worm made up of lots of smaller parts called units. These units can bend and twist, just like a real worm can wiggle and squirm. Scientists use worm-like chains to help them understand how long molecules like DNA and protein move and behave.

Imagine you have a really long piece of spaghetti. If you tried to bend it too much, it would snap. But a worm-like chain is more flexible. Each unit is connected to the ones before and after it, so it can bend and twist without breaking.

When scientists study worm-like chains, they can figure out how they move in response to different forces. This can help them understand how biological molecules like DNA and proteins move and interact, which can be super helpful for developing new medicines or designing new materials.