Using Domination Numbers in Trees to Analyze Secondary RNA Structure

Identifying the range of secondary RNA structural possibilities is an essential component in contemporary genomic research. Researchers at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences recently used graph theory to model secondary RNA structures as trees in a new and novel way in a project they call RAGS (Rna As GraphS).  Using the model of this project, we show that three parameters based on selected domination numbers provide information that identifies the trees that are known to represent RNA molecules.

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Debra Knisley, Teresa Haynes, Travis Coake
East Tennessee State University