On the electric polarization of DNA

Abstract

Abstract Dielectric dispersion of DNA was studied in the frequency range 100 Hz–100 kHz at four different temperatures (6–30°C). The dielectric increment ε 0 –ε ∞ increased with the rise of temperature. The relaxation time, on the other hand, decreased. Both the increase in dielectric increment and the decrease in relaxation time could not be explained on the basis of the counterion polarization theory. Dipole moment was estimated from Kirkwood theory. It was found to decrease systematically with temperature. Even at 0°C there was a dipole moment of 10 4 D.