Thermodynamics of (dG-dC)3 Double-Helix Formation in Water and Deuterium Oxide

Diane DePrisco Albergo, Douglas H. Turner, Luis A. Marky, Kenneth J. Breslauer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

142 Scopus citations

Abstract

The thermodynamics of double-helix formation by (dG-dC)3 in H2O and D2O were measured spectrophotometrically and calorimetrically. Spectrophotometric values based on plots of inverse melting temperature vs. log of concentration are in good agreement with calorimetry. However, spectrophotometric values based on the shape of absorbance vs. temperature curves are in good agreement with calorimetry only if linear pre- and posttransition base lines are subtracted before analysis. The averages of the enthalpies measured by the three most reliable spectroscopic methods are -56.9 and -62.7 kcal/mol of helix in H2O and D2O, respectively. The corresponding calorimetric values are -59.6 and -65.8 kcal/mol of helix.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1409-1413
Number of pages5
JournalBiochemistry
Volume20
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1981
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Thermodynamics of (dG-dC)3 Double-Helix Formation in Water and Deuterium Oxide'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this