Does DNA absorb microwave energy?

Abstract

Abstract The microwave absorption of chicken erythrocytes and E. coli DNA aqueous solutions was studied in the 9–12‐GHz frequency range by the method of variable thickness. At the same frequencies, fragments of sonicated erythrocyte DNA (average size about 500 base pairs) and of E. coli DNA treated with DNase (most of which were 800–2800 base pairs) were investigated. In neither case was any effect of enhanced microwave absorption by DNA observed. It was shown that an excess absorption of DNA solution falls within the 1% experimental error range, provided the conductivity contribution of 1% MgCl 2 , required for DNase action, to the microwave absorption is taken into account.