Dielectric Properties of Low-Molecular Weight DNA in Aqueous Solutions at Low Ionic Strength

Abstract

The dielectric properties of sonicated calf thymus Na-DNA (M w sime3times10 5 g mol -1) have been investigated in the frequency range 5 kHz-100 MHz, both in pure water and in 3times10 -4 M NaCl. These properties have been found to be qualitatively analogous to those observed for other, synthetic polyelectrolytes both in their frequency and concentration dependence. No specific effects could be detected. The experimental results, after extrapolation to zero concentration, have been interpreted in terms of the theory proposed previously by Van der Touw and Mandel (1974). (29 References).