On Knots and DNA

Abstract: Knot theory is the mathematical study of knots. In this thesis we study knots and one of its applications in DNA. Knot theory sits in the mathematical field of topology and naturally this is where the work begins. Topological concepts such as topological spaces, homeomorphisms, and homology are considered. Thereafter knot theory, and in particular, knot theoretical invariants are examined, aiming to provide insights into why it is difficult to answer the question "How can we tell knots appart?". In knot theory invariants such as the bracket polynomial, the Jones polynomial and tricolorability are considered as well as other helpful results like Seifert surfaces. Lastly knot theory is applied to DNA, where it will shed light on how certain enzymes interact with the genome.