[The theory of double-helical DNA packing: globular state of a homogeneous elastic macromolecule in a small volume].

Globular state of persistent chain modelling DNA double helix in the cavity with unpermeable walls was studied. The effect of excluded volume was accounted for by Onsager method. For the most interesting case when the cavity size is much smaller than the persistent length, the globule is like a hoop wound on the cavity walls on the inside. Depending on the molecule thickness four limiting regions with quantitatively distinguished properties of the globule are possible. For all the regions the thickness of " hoops " along and across the walls is found, as well as both characteristics widths of orientational distribution of the chain elements.