Nonlinear electric properties of DNA solutions

✍ Scribed by C. Marion; J. C. Bernengo; M. Hanss

• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 1976
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 376 KB
• Volume: 15
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0006-3525
• DOI: 10.1002/bip.1976.360150213

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

DNA solutions are shown to present a nonlinear electric behavior. This property is measured through the third harmonic current intensity, which appears when the solution is placed in a sinusoidal electric field of moderately high strength (about 100 V·cm^−1^).

The influence of different parameters has been examined: fundamental frequency, field strength, concentration, molecular weight, and conformation. By progressive sonication, it is shown that the harmonic current is linearly proportional to the DNA molecular weight, but under an M~r~ of approximately 10^6^, the nonlinear electrical property decreases sharply and its spectrum shows a drastic change.

It is thought that the harmonic current is not related to an orientational phenomenon; an explanation based on the electrical deformation of the molecule is suggested.