Abstract
The measured changes in the zero-point kinetic energy of the protons are entirely responsible for the binding energy of water molecules to phase DNA at the concentration of . The changes in kinetic energy can be expected to be a significant contribution to the energy balance in intracellular biological processes and the properties of nano-confined water. The shape of the momentum distribution in the dehydrated phase is consistent with coherent delocalization of some of the protons in a double well potential, with a separation of the wells of 0.2 Å.
- Received 23 February 2010
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.148101
© 2010 The American Physical Society