Abstract
We have measured the counterion species and concentration dependence of the low-frequency Raman spectrum, speed of sound, and the transition in solid DNA. We find that both the frequency of the lowest Raman active mode, and the water content at the phase transition depend strongly on ion size and concentration. Longitudinal elastic constants show only a small dependence. These results indicate that ion-mediated interhelical forces control several important properties of solid DNA.
- Received 10 June 1988
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.61.1674
©1988 American Physical Society