Abstract
Positron annihilation measurements are reported for hydrated DNA as a function of water content and as a function of temperature (20 to -180.degree. C) for samples containing 10 and 50% wt of water. The ortho-positronium mean lifetime and its intensity show distinct variations with the degree of hydration and with temperature for the 50% sample. The 10% water sample was relatively insensitive to temperature variation. The results indicate that hydrated DNA containing up to 10% water behaves as a rigid crystalline solid but that the rigidity markedly decreases with a further increase in water content until, for approximately 50% water, its properties resemble more those of a highly viscous fluid.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Biopolymers |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 10 |
Pages (from-to) | 1865-1874 |
ISSN | 0006-3525 |
Publication status | Published - 1986 |